Corsica island, off the French South coast, is affectionately called "L'île de beauté" (the beautiful island). With its beaches, tiny villages, Mediterranean climate and its beautiful countryside, Corsica offers some subtle rosé and dry white wines.
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Location
A beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, Southeast of France.
Grapes
- Red: Nieluccio and Sciacarello
- White: Vermentinu (aka Malvasia
or Malmsey)
Look Out For
One regional appellation - AOC Vin de Corse, and a number of
local appellations - AOC Ajaccio, AOC Patrimonio, AOC Muscat
du Cap Corse. |
Corsican wines are produced using unusual varieties of grape, often Italian in origin, and when well made they are often very pleasant to drink. They should be drunk young and fresh, as aperitif or to accompany a light meal.
Whilst vines are cultivated everywhere on the coastal areas of the island, the best wines are in the far north and around Ajaccio. This is one of the highest wine regions in France, with some of its vineyards at 500 meters and above. The main grape is Sciacarello (literally "which is crunchy to eat'), a local variety that takes full advantage of the environment. It is a light coloured wine, tannic and peppery, with an aroma of candied fruits.
Patrimonio is an appellation where winemakers are making constant progress, producing distinctive red, white and rosé wine. The main grape used for red wine is Nieluccio, a local variety. This gives a full bodied wine with vanilla and black fruit aromas. It can stand aging for up to seven years.
The Vermentino grape is used exclusively in Patrimonio for white wine. Also known as Malvasia, this grape produces a light and fruity white wine, with a flowery aroma.
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