Orenga de Gaffory > Corsica

Orenga de Gaffory > Corsica > France

Created in 1966, Domaine Orenga de Gaffory is situated in the midst of the exquisite Patrimonio appellation in northern Corsica, a spectacular region inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Its sixty hectares are planted with a range of traditional Corsican grape varieties: Niellucio, Vermentino, Sciacarellu, Minustellu, Aleatico et Muscat Petits Grains.

Henri Orenga de Gaffory exerts his life-long passion for the art of vine growing and winemaking with a strong dedication to Patrimonio's unique terroirs. They produce wines characterized by their balanced structure and aromatic concentration, as well as their potential for aging.
Equally passionate about contemporary art, Henri and Anne host in their gallery annual exhibitions of modern art displaying the works of Corsican and international artists such as Ange Leccia, David Raffini, Claude Viallat, Pascale Marthyne Tayou and Pascal Dombis.

The presence of their wines at some of the world's best venues and their recognition by the finest sommeliers and wine lovers reinforce the domaine's team members in their continuous pursuit of excellence.

Farming practices: organic, in conversion. Will be certified in 2019.

Orenga de Gaffory Website

Patrimonio rosé

90% Niellucciu, 10% Sciaccarellu. Some direct pressing and saignée contribute to a light pink color and a wine with red berry aromas (red currant, raspberry) as well as a slightly floral side. Both round and fresh.

Patrimonio Blanc

100% Vermentino - limestone, chalk and clay soil.
Some grapes are hand picked, other are machine harvested. Direct pressing, 12 to 24 hour skin maceration. Fermentation at 64.5 to 68F. Maturation in stainless steel vats. Fruity (citrus), floral (white orchard flowers), and mineral aromas combine to form a complex wine that is round, lively and long on the palate. Evolves with aging (18 to 24 months), revealing honeyed and waxy notes and an increased complexity. 13% alcohol.

Patrimonio Rouge

100% Niellucciu - limestone, chalk and clay soil.
Some grapes are hand picked, other are machine harvested, then 100% destemmed and crushed. 15 to 20 days vatting. Fermentation at 80.5 to 86F. Regular pumping over. Maturation in stainless steel vats. After the malolactic fermentation, fining if required. This cuvée expresses its origins: chalky-clay Patrimonio terroir. Dark red colour, full and rich on the palate. This robust variety benefits from aging as it becomes more supple and complex with time. At peak 2 years after release.

Cuvée des Gouverneurs Blanc

100% Vermentino - limestone, chalk and clay soil with pebbles.
The grapes are manually harvested at perfect maturity and come from the best plots. Direct pressing. 12 to 24 hour skin maceration. Fermentation at 70 to 73.5F, in French oak. Maturation on the lees in French oak for 6 to 8 months, with regular bâtonnage.
The Cuvée des Gouverneurs boasts exotic floral notes and slightly mineral undertones. It reaches aromatic maturity after three years of aging (in oak at first, then in bottles before release) resulting in refined and elegant oak characteristics. It can be kept for 6 to 8 years, and up to 10 years for exceptional vintages.

Scala Santa

70% Minustellu and 30% Niellucciu - limestone, chalk and clay soil.
The grapes are manually harvested, 100% destemmed and crushed. Skin maceration for 12 to 15 days. Fermentation at 77 to 82.5F. Regular pumping over. After the wine completes its malolactic fermentation, it is aged in stainless steel tanks for 8 months. The cuvée is named after the Scala Santa ("Holy Stairs") inside Notre Dame de Monserato, a chapel that faces the entrance of the family property in Bastia.
Minustellu is an old Corsican variety characterized by its fresh and spicy notes and a deep colour. Henri Orenga de Gaffory fell in love with this forgotten varietal and planted 2.5 hectares of it. Nielucciu, the emblematic variety of the Patrimonio region, has complex and powerful aromas. It gives the wine a remarkable ﬂavour proﬁle and an imposing structure without making it too tannic. Enjoy within 2 to 3 years. The Scala may be served slightly chilled (54F). 12.5% alcohol.

Impassitu - Muscat du Cap Corse

100% Muscat à petits grains from limestone, chalk and clay soil.
The grapes are manually harvested late in the season, when they are overripe and when the noble rot has concentrated the sugars. They are carefully selected. 24 to 48 hours of maceration on the skins, then pressed and fermented at a temperature between 70 and 73.5F. The Muscat is then fortified with grape spirit and aged in stainless steel tanks, and a little longer in bottle before release.
The Impassitu has a unique ﬁnesse and reveals complex honeyed notes of candied fruit, citrus and a pronounced botrytis character. Classic balance and remarkably long finish. Can be enjoyed now and for up to 10 years. Pair with desserts or serve as an aperitif.