Of Corse

We continue our summer tour to a less travelled (and less tasted) destination this month – Corsica! Welcome to a land of Vermentino and a host of indigenous red varieties that will be new to many of you. Corsica has a long winemaking history, but it was only after Corsica’s most famous son of a wine makers family  (Napoleon Bonaparte) came to power did the islands wines begin to expand their production and exports across France. These wines are described in French as “Sauvage”, or authentic because of their natural and sometimes spicy character – lets discover them together.

It’s in the details… Although hall the white wines this month are dominated by one grape (Vermentino) you will find that each part of the islands coast line brings a different style and texture. The North East of Cap Course brings you more minerals and salt, while the west coast of Patrimonio is softer and more balanced.  All have a light straw, yellow colour and like all good summer wines, will go great with white fish, salads and chicken.

The Reds are not what you are expecting. These are not like the Cannonau’s of Sardinia, but closer to the Pinot’s of Burgundy. Light and spicy, white meat, warm weather reds that should be drank slightly cooler than you are probably accustomed to. Look for red and black fruit blends over a moderate alcohol %.

So, set sail for the islands and enjoy something new on the island of Napoleon !

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