Ministre Impérial VdF 2018

The red wine in our tasting is a tribute to a renowned minister and grandson of a diplomat from the time of Napoleon III, who is considered the architect of modern Corsica. The wine's unique blend consists of indigenous varieties such as Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, Morescola, Moresconu, Montanaccia, Carcoghjolu Neru and Aléaticu and is aged in conical barrels using traditional methods. It produces only 6000 bottles per vintage.

In the glass, the wine offers a medium garnet red. It greets the nose with an intense scent of red currants, behind which lies a mix of wild strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and blood oranges. Lingering notes of soft smoke, graphite and wild herbs such as thyme, marjoram, sage and bay leaves make up the aromatic complexity.

On the palate, a sweet, fruity complexity unfolds. Juicy, clear, fresh red berries and cherries are accompanied by a fine stony minerality. Elegant tannins and a fine structure make the wine lively, stimulating and energising. Notes of cinnamon, black pepper, seductive spice and light tobacco complete the aroma profile. The wine is wonderfully balanced and has great finesse with a very long finish. Despite a slightly lower structure than in other years, the wine shows at a high level with even more elegance and finesse.

For culinary pairing, we suggest alternative combinations to the original author. A grilled salmon fillet with a light citrus butter and toasted almonds would highlight the fruity notes of the wine. A selection of mature cheeses with local olives and fresh baguette would go well with the spicy notes of the wine. Equally fitting would be a hearty dish of lamb, which would benefit from the wine's robust tannins and minerality.