Clos Culombu Blanc, Etienne Suzzoni, 2023

Producer: Clos Culombu

The Balagne, a fruitful stretch of the north-west coast, known as the Garden of Corsica, is home to one of the island’s oldest, driest and most serious appellations, Vin de Corse-Calvi.

Vines have been grown here since the 13th century, and though current acreage is now less than half of its original 700 hectares, its reputation is high.

Etienne Suzzoni at Clos Culombu, in the communes of Montegrosso and Lumio, is one of the real characters among Corsica’s winemakers. Larger than life in every way, he has championed the cause of fine wine from Corsica, whose full-flavoured whites from vermentino dominates among the island’s white varieties.

The colour is almost clear with green highlights. it is expressive on the nose with aromas of grapefruit, tomato leaf and white peach. On the palate there is a very slight minerality which balances well with the fruit flavours.