Corsica Flashcards
Is Corsica located closer to France or Italy?
Italy
What is the climate?
Mediterranean with oceanic and alpine influences
Who captured Corsica in the 11th century?
The Italian state of Pisa at the request of the Pope. The religious might of the Vatican descended upon the island.
Who ruled Corsica from the 13th through the 18th centuries?
The Italian state of Genoa
What happened in 1768? What was the reality of this and what resulted from it?
- As part of the Treaty of Versailles, Genoa relinquished control of Corsica to the French.
- Corsica had been governing itself independantly since 1755 so it wasn’t really Geneo’s to give away.
- France ended up conquering the island in 1769 after a series of military engagements.
Describe the geology of Corsica
- Corsica is a bulge in Hercynian Trend (line of crustal deformation running underneath the Mediterranean from the Pyrenees to eastern Provence)
- It is the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean.
Describe the topography of Corsica
- Average vineyard altitude is 300m
- The highest peak is 2,700 m and is able to maintain ice even in the summertime.
What are the preferred soil types of the following grapes:
- Vermentino
- Sangiovese
- Sciaccarello
- Vermentino (schist)
- Sangiovese (limestone and clay)
- Sciaccarello (granite)
What are the soil types of the northern peninsula, Cap Corse?
Schist
What are the soil types of the Patrimonio region?
Limestone and clay soils
What are the soils types of the Ajaccio region?
Granite
What are the soil types of the east and SE coast?
Marly sand mixed with granite
What are the synonyms of the following grapes?
- Niellucio
- Sciaccarello
- Niellucio (Sangiovese)
- Sciaccarello (Mammolo)
What are the principal red grapes for AOC wine?
- Niellucio
- Sciaccarello
- GSM
- Cinsault
- Carignan
- Barbarossa
What are the principal white grapes for AOC wine?
- Vermentino
- Ugni Blanc
- Cordivarta
- Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc
What is the major white grape for IGP white wines?
Chardonnay
What is the major red grape for IGP red wines?
Merlot
Which is the largest AOC?
- Vin de Corse/AOP Corse
- The AOC covers the entire island but has an east coast focus
- Accounts for 45% of production
What are the names of the 5 sub-appellations within AOP Corse? Where are they located on the island?
- Corse-Coteaux du Cap (N)
- Corse Porto Vecchio (SE)
- Corse-Figari (S)
- Corse-Sartene (SW)
- Corse-Calvi (NW)
What are the main grapes used in AOP Corse production?
Reds: Nielluccio, Sciaccarello & Grenache
Whites: Vermentino & Ugni Blanc
What are the main styles of wines produced in Ajaccio? What are the main grapes varieties used?
- Medium bodied reds and rosés
- Sciaccarello, Nielluccio, Barbarossa & Vermentino
What are the main styles of wines produced in Patrimonio? What are the main grapes varieties used?
- Reds, rosés and whites
- Reds & rosés: Nielluccio, Sciaccarello, Grenache & Vermentino
- Whites: 100% Vermentino
What are the main styles of wines produced in Muscat du Cap Corse? What are the main grapes varieties used? What are the abv and RS requirements?
- White VDN
- Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
- abv between 15-18% and >90g/L RS
How much of the island’s production is IGP?
60%
What does Île de Beauté refer to and mean?
IGP production - “Island of beauty”
