France-Corsica Flashcards
(41 cards)
When and where were the earliest records of viticulture on Corisca?
Ind varieties cultivated as early as Phoenicians time
570 BCE earliest record near Aleria (E coast of Island)
Who possessed Corsica in the 1600s?
Republic of Genoa
When did Corsica become a part of FR?
1768 Genoese ceded Island to FR
Who is the most famous Frenchman to be born in Corsica? Where on the Island?
Napoleon Boneparte in capital of Ajaccio
What is the most lasting effect of Napoleonic Code in Corsica?
still allows Corsica to sell Wine and Tobacco duty free
When and why did Corsica become most associated w/ bulk wines?
FR lost Algeria in 1960s, many growers (pieds noirs) migrated to Corsica, planted high yielding varietals, ensued primarily bulk wine production
What are Pied Noirs?
Displaced Algerian grape growers after secession of Algeria from FR in 1960s, migrated to Corsica
What are 3 most planted ind varieties of Corsica?
- Nielluccio
- Sciacarello
- Vermentino(u)
What is Nielluccio a variant of?
mutation of sangiovese
What is Sciacarello called in Tuscany?
Mammolo
What is a local synonym for Vermentino on Corsica?
Malvoisie de Corse
Where on the Island is Nielluccio best suited?
Best in N on limestone of Patrimonio and Schist of Cap Corse
Where is Sciacarello best suited on Corsica?
Best in W and S on Granite of Ajaccio, some in Sartène, Figari
Where is Vermentino best suited on Corsica?
Best in Far N, Patrimonio and Cap Corse
What are some secondary ind varieties of Corsica? What is interesting about cultivating these in est AOPs?
Morescone, Carcaghjolu/Biancu, Genovese…
Most AOPs only allow these in minor portions, some of most interesting Corsican wines released as VdF
What are the vine training methods of Corsica?
Traditionally gobelet, modernly single and Cordon de Royat
what % of Corsica is dedicated to Rosé?
30%
What are the best vintages of Corsica 00-present?
05, 15 (but most years good due to favorable growing conditions)
What are the worst vintages of Corsica 00-present?
00, 04, 13,14 (usually in cool, wet years)
What is the capital of Corsica?
Ajaccio
Which region of Corsica is the furthest N tip?
Cap Corse is just off N tip of main island
What is the IGP category of Corsica? How much of the Island is released as this and what is the primary style here?
IGP Ile de Beuté
½ of all wine produced on Island, mainly rosé in this category
Explain how the soil of Corsica varies by region
i. schist in Far N (Cap Corse)
ii. limestone (chalk and clay) in Patrimonio and Far South (Figari, Porto Vecchio)
iii. Alluvial and sand deposits in E (mainly basic Vin de Corse production)
iv. Granite in W leading to the S (Ajaccio down to Sartène and Figari)
Where are most vineyards located on the Island of Corsica? Why?
Most vineyards are of ind varieties on rocky hillsides, w/in view of coasts
Mountainous interior unsuitable for viti
