Corsica

Question 1

What is the climate of Corsica?

Answer 1

Mediterranean, with oceanic and alpine influences

Question 2

What type of soil does Sciaccarello prefer?

Answer 2

Granite (as found in Ajaccio)

Question 3

What is the name of Corsica’s island-wide IGP?

Answer 3

Ile de Beauté IGP

Question 4

Define “Esca”

Answer 4

A vine trunk disease caused by pruning cuts (or frost) which allow fungi to enter the vine and kill it.

Question 5

Define “Flavescence dorée”

Answer 5

A phytoplasma disease caused by bacteria introduced to the vine’s phloem by leafhoppers.

Question 6

What are the primary red and white grapes of Patrimonio AOC?

Answer 6

Nieulluccio and Vermentino

Question 7

What is Corsica’s largest AOC by size and production volume?

Answer 7

Vin de Corse/Corse AOC

Question 8

What style of wine is produced in the Muscat du Cap Corse AOC?

Answer 8

Vin Doux Naturel

Question 9

What group is credited with resuscitating Corsica’s vineyards in the early 1960s?

Answer 9

French colonists, expelled from Algeria

Question 10

What is the highest mountain peak on Corsica?

Answer 10

Monte Cinto (3,280 ft/1000m)

Question 11

T or F: Sparkling wine is an important category of wines in Corsica

Answer 11

FALSE. Sparkling wines are not authorized in Corsica.

Question 12

Where are Corsica’s vineyards located?

Answer 12

The vineyards ring the coastline. The center of the island is a mountainous national park.

Question 13

T or F: White grapes account for only 25% of Corsica’s area under vine.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Define “Liebecciu”

Answer 14

A humid, south-westerly wind that brings rain

Question 15

What famous French political figure was born in Corsica?

Answer 15

Napoléon Bonaparte

Question 16

Which Vin de Corse/Corse AOC DGC produces a famous rosé?

Answer 16

Corse Calvi produces a famous rosé called Gris de Calvi

Question 17

What is the most widely-planted red grape variety in Corsica?

Answer 17

Nieulluccio (Sangiovese)

Question 18

What island is located 7 mi/11 km south of Corsica?

Answer 18

Sardinia

Question 19

What wine style dominates Corsica’s production: red, white or rosé?

Answer 19

Rosé (70%)

Question 20

Geologically, most of Corsica is composed of what type of rock?

Answer 20

Granite, with the northeastern part being schistose with some limestone.

Question 21

Which red Italian grape variety was brought to Corsica in the 11th century?

Answer 21

Nielluccio

Question 22

Which is not a northerly wind that affects Corsica?

Answer 22

Libecciu (Mistral, Tramontane, and Gregale all do)

Question 23

According to 2020 figures, what percentage of Corsica’s vineyard area is used for AOC wine production?

Answer 23

51%

Question 24

Which is a pink-skinned grape variety that can be used in both the Vin de Corse and Ajaccio AOCs?

Answer 24

Barbaroux

Question 25

What is the direction and effect of the Libecciu wind?

Answer 25

Westerly/southwesterly wind – brings rain

Question 26

What is the direction and effect of the Mistral, Tramontane, and Gregale winds?

Answer 26

Northerly winds – reduce humidity

Question 27

What is the direction and effect of the Sirocco wind?

Answer 27

Southerly wind – hot and dry

Question 28

According to 2020 figures, how much of Corsica’s production is Vin de France?

Answer 28

3%

Question 29

Is Porto-Vecchio an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 29

DGC

Question 30

Is Vin de Corse an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 30

AOC

Question 31

Is Muscat du Cap Corse an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 31

AOC

Question 32

Is Patrimonio an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 32

AOC

Question 33

Is Figari an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 33

DGC

Question 34

Is Coteaux du Cap Corse an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 34

DGC

Question 35

Is Sartene an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 35

DGC

Question 36

Is Ajaccio an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 36

AOC

Question 37

Is Calvi an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?

Answer 37

DGC

Question 38

In general, compared to mainland France, Corsica is...?

Answer 38

Hotter and drier

Question 39

Chardonnay is an authorized grape in Île de Beauté IGP. True or False?

Answer 39

True

Question 40

The Sciaccarello grape variety is known by what name in Italy?

Answer 40

Mammolo

Question 41

Which Corsican AOC requires its white wines to be made from 100% Vermentino?

Answer 41

Patrimonio

Question 42

Where in Corsica would you find the vineyards for Muscat du Cap Corse and Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse?

Answer 42

Northern Corsica

Question 43

Nielluccio is a clone of which grape variety?

Answer 43

Sangiovese