The heritage of grape varieties

In Corsica, we count more than 30 kinds of grape varieties. Three of them can be distinguished: the Sciaccarellu, the Niellucciu and the Vermentinu. They represent noble varieties.

•  Sciaccarellu

If we say « Sciaccarellu », we want to say « crunchy under our teeth ». This term is also used when we talk about fruits (nuts...).

This dark grape variety is one of the main varieties of all the AOC red and rosé of Corsica, because it represents 15% of the areas.

 Geographical situation: This variety represents around 600 acres of the island. Situated in the West of the island, it represents a unique variety, which only exists in Corsica.  

 Characteristics: its smell reveals flavour of red fruits, with some notes of spices and undergrowth flowers. Its taste reveals a balance wine.

This variety allows the elaboration of rosé wines, with a pink-salmon coloration, and with a lot of fruity flavours.  

• Niellucciu

In Corsica, Niellu means « black, dark, strong ».  This dark variety is the principal of the island because it represents 35% of the areas. 

 Geographical situation: This grape variety represents more than 2000 acres on the island. We can mainly find it on Patrimonio (North).

Characteristics: The experts say that it owns a “nose of liquorice and hare’s fur”, and that it releases red fruits flavours.

The Niellucciu also allows creating rosé wines of high quality, very fruity, with a pink colour.

• Vermentinu

It is a white grape variety. It creates a high quality wine, which is considered as one of the best wines of the Mediterranean.

It represents 17% of the areas of the island.

Geographical situation: It fills more than 1150 acres in all the parts of Corsica. We can also find this variety in Italy.

Characteristics: Its smell is very dry, with floral flavours. Its taste is fine, balanced and powerful. We can incorporate it to red wine to create rosé wine of high quality. 

If you want more information about the grape varieties, you can visit the official website of the interprofessional committee of Corsican wines: www.vinsdecorse.com

 Photo: www.intothewine.fr