Corsica Flashcards
Where is Corsica
Med
50 miles Italy
100 miles France
Above Sardinia
What are the 4 appelations and 5 DGCs of Corsica
Ajaccio
Muscat du Cap Corse
Patrimonio
Corse
Corse Coteaux de Cap Corse
Corse Calvi
Corse Porto Vecchio
Corse Figari
Corse Sartene
What is the role of co-operatives in Corsica
70% of wine from co-ops
There are
4 co-op cellars
160 co-op producers and
135 private producers
What is the split of wine - red, white rose
Rose =70%
Red=17%
White (all styles)=13%
What is the split of trade from Corsican wines
35% island
45% Mainland France
20% Exported
What type of Corsican wines are currently in vogue?
Rose and Indigenous varities??
Which civilisation brought wines to Corsica
Phocaeans
Which country was Corsica ruled by up to the 18c and what infulence did it have on wines
Italy (Genoa)
No wine to be exported except to Genoa
Who ruled Corsica from 1766
France
Napoleon was born in Corsica
What was the influence of the pieds noir
Influx of Algerian workers in 1960s - expanded vineyard area
Describe the climate of Corsica
The Mediterranean climate.
Influence of sea and mountains.
Summers are hot and dry while winters are very mild
exceptional sunshine, with 2885 hours of sunshine per year on average.
Mountain areas provides strong rainfall, as well as the cross-influence of the mistral from Provence, the libeccio from Gibraltar and the tramontana from the north-west. The juxtaposition of microclimates draws outlines of wines with multiple characters
Which winds influence Corsican weather
Mistral from Provence
Libeccio (Leveche) from Gibraltar brings rain
Tramontana from the north-west (Alps).- dry and cold
from Gibraltar bringing rain; the dry, cold tramontane from the Alps; Gregale from the Appenines - damp;
Sirocco blowing in from the Sahara.- warmth
Levante
Ponante
What are the main topographical features of Corsica
More than 20 peaks over 2,000 m in elevation, over 55% of the surface area of the island lies above 400 m elevation, creating an array of valleys and hillsides
What are the four main soil types in Corsica
Schist in the north and the Cap Corse;
chalk and clay in Patrimonio immediately south of it;
marly sand and alluvial soils to Bastia on the east coast.
Granite on west coast
Which grapes are associated with the Schist of north and cap corse
This is the Muscat region.
Also Vermentino and Codivarta
Which grapes are associated with the chalk and clay In Patrimonio
Red Neilluccio
Has been Grenache, but from 2000, Nielluccio must account for 90% of the blend in red wines and Vermentino for 100% in the white.
Niellucciu, probably introduced by the Genoese before the 18th century, was the most planted variety, accounting for 35% of vineyard area or 1,537 ha/3,955 acres in 2013, many of them in the north of the island, where it thrives on the calcareous-clay soils of Patrimonio. Nielluccio may be vinified as either a rosé or, if well vinified, an intensely coloured red with good, structured tannins and a balanced acidity.
Which grapes are associated with the Marly sand and alluvial soil of the east coast
Niellucciu (sangiovese), Sciacarellu (mammolo), and vermentino (Favorita) are the important Corsican varieties, representing more than two-thirds of all AOC wines, while international varieties comprise about a quarter of vines planted on the island, having displaced the traditional varieties Cinsaut, Carignan, Grenache, and Alicante Bouschet.??
Which grapes are associated with the granite of the west coast
Plantings of Sciacarellu had grown to 1,020 ha/2,520 acres ha by 2013. It is most successful on the granitic south west coast between Ajaccio and Sartène, producing relatively crisp, peppery reds and rosés, light in colour but high in alcohol. It is often blended with Nielluccio or Grenache.
Which are the 2 vineyard diseases impacting Corsican vineyards
Esca trunk disease
and
Flavescence dorée provoked by cicadelle attack.
Winds prevent disease
Describe Neiluccio (sangiovese)
Bright to deep red colour: ruby to garnet with shades of purple
Notes of red and black fruits, woody nuances with butter and undergrowth and, on ageing, spices, empyreumatic, balsamic with an animal touch.
Rich, round, long, full-bodied and flesh
Describe Sciacarellu (Mamallo)
Light red colour (cherry), towards ruby
Notes of red berries, spicy and peppery, burnt wood and, on ageing, old leather, candied raspberries
Medium-bodied, round and balanced
Desccribe Vermentinu (vermentino/Favorita)
Light yellow colour with golden reflections.
Floral (white flowers, hawthorn), fruity (citrus) and vegetal notes
Balanced, rich, ample and powerful
Describe Muscat Petit Grains
Pale yellow colour with yellow-green reflections
Fruity, floral, vegetal notes, on ageing, candied fruit, gingerbread.
Complex, intense and of great finesse
Describe Barbarossa
Pale yellow to golden colour with occasional pink reflections.
Floral notes such as white flowers (hawthorn), smoky and fruity (citrus, mint)
Balanced, full-bodied, long
How would these grapes varities be described
Bianco Gentile, Carcajolo, Codivarta, Morastellu, Genovese, Riminese, and Barbarossa.
New/old to Corsica - little planted but increasing interest
What is the effect of climate change on corsica
More water stress
Less snowfal
More heat
More extreme events/fires
Organic/Biodynamic farming
Environmental certifications, labels and standards provide official recognition of the actions undertaken by Corsica winegrowers and cooperative cellars in terms of sustainable development.
What is the split between IGP and AOP wines
2/3rds 1/3rd
237499 hl
PGI
121108 hl
AOP
Describe Muscat Cap Corse AOC
Cultivated in Cap Corse and in the Nebbiu region, Muscat Petits Grains wines are suspended on vertiginous terraces. Arduous, physical work which brings a complexity and rare delicacy to Muscat du Cap Corse.
Describe AOP Corse
AOP Corse, the only “Regional” type appellation, extends over the entire eastern seaboard, between Bastia and Solenzara. The vineyards are planted on the plain (the only one on the island), backing onto the rocky ridges which climb to more than 1000 metres. Coming from this mineral world, the wines of this appellation are made in the great Corsican tradition, a mix of character and generosity.
In terms of the wine: the reds strike the perfect balance between power and finesse. The rosés are delicately fruity with smoky, peppery notes. Finally, the whites are lively and floral.
Describe AOP Corse Porto Vecchio
It consists of an arid land, plunging towards the sea. A world dominated by blue, between sky and sea where the vineyards, beaten by the wind, bore strong, proud vines like those winegrowers of Corsica who knew how to work this lush but harsh world. Porto-Vecchio faces the rising sun between a rocky coast and surroundings wooded by the largest cork oak forests on the island.
In terms of the wine: the Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu grape varieties combine with the traditional Grenache to produce round, elegant reds and fine, aromatic rosés. The whites, from Vermentinu, are dry and fruity to perfection.
Describe AOP Corse Figari
AOP Corse Figari is an old vineyard, probably the oldest in Corsica, where the first vines appeared in the 5th century BC. This land, the most southern and sunny in France with Bonifacio, is defined by a harsh and very windy climate, making viticulture complex. But these lands are in good hands and can count on the strength and determination of these young winegrowers, who are becoming more and more numerous, who fly the flag high for these vineyards. With typical Corsican grape varieties, the wines follow the image of their terroir: of great finesse and well-structured. Their continuation is assured!
In terms of the wine: the style of the wines differs according to the grape varieties used and their blend. Yet we find white wines, very floral on an exotic note, lively, colourful rosé wines as well as well-structured red wines with a deep colour.
Describe AOP Corse Sartene
Here, the vines seem to have been born at the same time as the hillsides: Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, Barbarossa, Vermentinu… they’re all there, the authentic Corsican grape varieties, to produce remarkably rich red wines. The whites, with their green reflections, really set off the fish of the Mediterranean. The appellation covers two distinct areas, the Tizzano region and the Ortolo valley. Cradled by a typically Mediterranean climate, its key words are brightness and mild temperatures. In the heart of a mountainous landscape, the soils are mainly granite.
In terms of the wine: there are light white wines, rosés with little colour, but still very fruity, and supple, tasty, spicy red wines.
Describe AOP Ajaccio
Like Patrimonio, AOP Ajaccio enjoys the “Cru” type appellation, making it one of the most recognised appellations in Corsica. Bathed in light and beauty, the vineyards of Ajaccio are the result of an ancient winemaking tradition. Here was born Sciaccarellu, a typical Corsican grape variety. King of the appellation, the specifications for AOP Ajaccio require a minimum proportion of 60% of this grape variety, which gives the reds and rosés their assertive character.
In terms of the wine: made from the Sciaccarellu grape variety, the reds are marked by intense aromas and the rosés by fruity notes. The whites, dominated by Vermentinu, have a floral distinction…
Describe AOC Corse Calvi
Located in Balagne, between Calvi and île Rousse, AOP Corse Calvi is one of the oldest terroirs. This AOP is one of the five “Village” type appellations alongside Sartène, Figari, Porto-Vecchio and Côteaux du Cap Corse. Building on its heritage, the Calvi vineyard saw the birth of the Balagne wine known to the Romans, as well as the wines of Algajola and Reginu raised by the Benedictine monks. Today, 100% of the appellation’s estates are certified organic or have started a conversion to Organic Farming.
In terms of the wine: rosés renowned for their clarity are drunk young. The highly aromatic whites reveal citrus notes. The fairly full-bodied reds are distinguished by their assertive character.
Where is Corsica located
Sea
Km from France
Km from Sardinia
Km from Italy
Mediterranean
160km
11km
80km
Corsica has a Mediterranean climate but what also infulences this
Oceanic
Alpine
What are the 3 main north winds of Corsica
Mistral
Tramontane
Gregale
What is the main westerly wind of Corsica
Libecciu - brings rain
What is the main southery wind of Corsica
Sirocco
How would you describe the rainfall on Corsica
Abundant from the westerly winds
Ideal amount
Drought conditions during summer
Ideal amount
Corsica can be divided in a line roughly between Calvi and Aleria. What does that divide represent?
Geological
North - Schist (some limestone)
South - Granite
What is the highest point of the Massif Central of Corsica
Monte Cinto 2,700m
Link the soils with the grape type
Schist
Limestone clay
Granite
Marly sand and granite
Nielluccio
Light reds and roses
Schiaccerelo
Vermentino and sweet Muscat
Schist=Vermentino and Muscat (Cap Corse)
Limestone clay=Sciarello (Patrimonio)
Granite=Neilluccio (Ajaccio)
Marly sand and granite=light reds and roses (Vin de Corse)
What is Corsica’s primary climate?
Maritime
Continental
Mediterranean
Alpine
Mediterranean
The southern part of Corsica is composed of which rock?
Schist
Granite
Limestone
Slate
Granite
Which were the first traders to plant vines on Corsica
Phocean traders in 570BC
Before they settled in Marseille
Post roman Corsicans made their life by the sea - True or False
False
Which century did the Italian state of Pisa capture Corsica
11c
Pope Gegory II
