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| A revelation-these 2013 Rosés -from a pale salmon pink blush to a deeper rose tones - serve chilled. From r-l: Clos Teddi, Grande Cuvée, Domaine Vico, Domaine, (both available in the USA) Domaine de Torraccia, Torraccia. Drink now-by itself or pairs really well with fresh foods- not too complex wines with fruity+peppey hints perfect for summer-the varietals all have the native Sciaccarellu-considered the crown jewel of Corsican grapes-taking its moniker from a Corsican adjective sciaccarella =crisp. |
NYC
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Producer of Domaine de Torraccia, Marc Imbert---who explained to us the significance of the glass impression on the bottles, pictured below…
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What a week for spitting out-not
since we were babies-lucking out on our second wine tasting this week----this time a more intimate affair with two other 'tasters'---and four producers from Corsica.
A French island-acclaimed for its mountainous/rugged landscape, coastline beaches, Mediterranean sunshine---somewhat bloody history...AND of course its most famous native, Napoleon.
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The Moor's head ---official symbol of the island since 1730's-(on , off, on depending on who ruled)
Corsica had for centuries-a rep as an island of bandits -with various European Kings claiming it---now ruled by EURO standards that include how much wine can be produced. |
WINE-WISE, Corsica is divided into nine Appellations d'Origine Protègé -geographic locations-each with their characteristic layouts (slopes, plateaus, hills and mountain valleys)- different soil compositions and climate patterns. The resulting 30 varieties of grapes grown including the three major Niellucciu (that reminded us of its distant relative-the earthy/acidic Sangiovese Italian red grape), the native Sciaccarellu -which featured prominently in the delish fruity/spicy Rosés, and the Vermentinu (white wines-mineral notes, floral-or more herbs-nicely balanced-aromatic- dry - elegant Euro style of whites-not big oaky Chardonnay style).
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| one of our favs---Torraccia a blend-no pesticides used- --hence "Vin Biologique" on the label |
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| Producer Marie-Brigette Juillard of Clos Teddi, Grande Cuvée |
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| Clos Teddi, Grande Cuvée Red-2011 100% Niellucciu-available at ASTOR WINES $26.99 |
The reds we tried- were elegant and well balanced-and age worthy-though what we sipped was appreciated on the spot-with enough
umph assertiveness to drink now. Deep colors, woody aromatic-rich and full.
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| Producer Henri Orenga de Gaffory of Domaine Orenga de Gaffory |
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| Another fav-fyi 1769 the year Napoleon was born…and no doubt some war going on. Available in the USA this wine by Domaine Vico 100% Sciaccarellu-a Corsican grape…grown in the interior of the country.Gi |
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| 1769---Domaine Vico-label…with the 411 |
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| Tasty blend-Domaine Torraccia-2011 Red- ruby color, great finish |
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| Available in the USA=Clos Venturi -Cols Red blend of Niellucciu and Syrah |
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| One area of Corsica-yields the Muscat à Petits Grains grapes. …to sip as an apéritif…or more common here-a dessert wine. This one has a high sugar content---aged in oak. Yummy. By Oregnga de Gaffory |
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| larger bottle on right younger Muscat-late harvest-pale yellow to a more amber color-citus notes |
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| two whites we tasted- transported us overseas-as mentioned above, the aromatic whites we tasted were dry with great finishes---hints of minerals+subtle apple-ish fruits, floral/herbs-begging for a paired fish dish-simply grilled-or more robust-the Corsican bouillabaisse-Aziminu. 100% Vermentinu grapes. Clos Teddi on the right- is available in the USA |
FYI: the
Visit Corsica site has lots of info on the who what where…and how to get there...
New to us-the wines from Corsica-are worth checking out---imo---we expect to see some of these selections-appearing on restaurant menus. By the bottle-we were told ranges are typically $15-$28.
Added Plus-one third of the Wine Producers are women---and about half of the vineyards are protected forever-so as to preserve the beautiful Corsican landscape from development.
