Corsica Flashcards
What is the climate of Corsica?
Mediterranean, with oceanic and alpine influences
What type of soil does Sciaccarello prefer?
Granite (as found in Ajaccio)
What is the name of Corsica’s island-wide IGP?
Ile de Beauté IGP
Define “Esca”
A vine trunk disease caused by pruning cuts (or frost) which allow fungi to enter the vine and kill it.
Define “Flavescence dorée”
A phytoplasma disease caused by bacteria introduced to the vine’s phloem by leafhoppers.
What are the primary red and white grapes of Patrimonio AOC?
Nieulluccio and Vermentino
What is Corsica’s largest AOC by size and production volume?
Vin de Corse/Corse AOC
What style of wine is produced in the Muscat du Cap Corse AOC?
Vin Doux Naturel
What group is credited with resuscitating Corsica’s vineyards in the early 1960s?
French colonists, expelled from Algeria
What is the highest mountain peak on Corsica?
Monte Cinto (3,280 ft/1000m)
T or F: Sparkling wine is an important category of wines in Corsica
FALSE. Sparkling wines are not authorized in Corsica.
Where are Corsica’s vineyards located?
The vineyards ring the coastline. The center of the island is a mountainous national park.
T or F: White grapes account for only 25% of Corsica’s area under vine.
True
Define “Liebecciu”
A humid, south-westerly wind that brings rain
What famous French political figure was born in Corsica?
Napoléon Bonaparte
Which Vin de Corse/Corse AOC DGC produces a famous rosé?
Corse Calvi produces a famous rosé called Gris de Calvi
What is the most widely-planted red grape variety in Corsica?
Nieulluccio (Sangiovese)
What island is located 7 mi/11 km south of Corsica?
Sardinia
What wine style dominates Corsica’s production: red, white or rosé?
Rosé (70%)
Geologically, most of Corsica is composed of what type of rock?
Granite, with the northeastern part being schistose with some limestone.
Which red Italian grape variety was brought to Corsica in the 11th century?
Nielluccio
Which is not a northerly wind that affects Corsica?
Libecciu (Mistral, Tramontane, and Gregale all do)
According to 2020 figures, what percentage of Corsica’s vineyard area is used for AOC wine production?
51%
Which is a pink-skinned grape variety that can be used in both the Vin de Corse and Ajaccio AOCs?
Barbaroux
What is the direction and effect of the Libecciu wind?
Westerly/southwesterly wind – brings rain
What is the direction and effect of the Mistral, Tramontane, and Gregale winds?
Northerly winds – reduce humidity
What is the direction and effect of the Sirocco wind?
Southerly wind – hot and dry
According to 2020 figures, how much of Corsica’s production is Vin de France?
3%
Is Porto-Vecchio an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
DGC
Is Vin de Corse an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
AOC
Is Muscat du Cap Corse an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
AOC
Is Patrimonio an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
AOC
Is Figari an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
DGC
Is Coteaux du Cap Corse an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
DGC
Is Sartene an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
DGC
Is Ajaccio an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
AOC
Is Calvi an AOC or a DGC of Vin de Corse?
DGC
In general, compared to mainland France, Corsica is…?
Hotter and drier
Chardonnay is an authorized grape in Île de Beauté IGP.
True or False?
True
The Sciaccarello grape variety is known by what name in Italy?
Mammolo
Which Corsican AOC requires its white wines to be made from 100% Vermentino?
Patrimonio
Where in Corsica would you find the vineyards for Muscat du Cap Corse and Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse?
Northern Corsica
Nielluccio is a clone of which grape variety?
Sangiovese
