2021 Domaine Vico Le Bois du Cerf Rouge

Domaine Vico was founded in 1901 by Jean Vico, after purchasing and planting 49 hectares in the north-east of Corsica.  However, 80 years later, the winery was no longer in working order and had been left in a dilapidated state.  However, two friends, Jean-Marc Venturi and Francois Acquaviva, saw its potential and purchased the ramshackle estate in 1986. They rebuilt the winery, and decided to focus entirely on indigenous grape varieties such as Sciaccarellu, Nielluccio (a.k.a. Sangiovese) and Biancu Gentile.  The winemaking team at the domaine have worked hard for the past 37 years, earning Domaine Vico a place among the top producers in Corsica, and were certified biodynamic in 2020.

Domaine Vico’s vineyards are situated in the foothills of a high mountain range, north-east of the village of Ponte Leccia, and are the only Corsican vineyards to lie inland from the coast.  All the other vineyards on the island hug the shores.  The mountainous location (some 300 metres above sea level) and the frequent north-easterly winds (the Mistral) have a cooling influence which helps to retain acidity in the grapes, in turn raising the aromatic intensity of the fruit.

Les Bois du Cerf Rouge is a 50:50 blend of Nielluccio and Sciaccarello from 30-year-old vines rooted in schist and basalt soils.  The grapes are vinified separately in concrete using indigenous yeasts and fermentation lasts 45 days.  After this, the separate parcels are blended and aged for a further 12 to 18 months in concrete prior to bottling without fining and with minimal filtration.  Bright ruby red in colour, with a herbal and aromatic nose of red cherries and a subtle touch of game.  Dense and juicy on the palate, with notes of cherries, black pepper spice, liquorice, and rosemary.