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{ appellations } 40 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 IN THE MINDS OF connoisseurs and common consumers alike, French wine holds a special place. However, the country's viticulture is not limited to the Bordeaux, Burgundy or Champagne regions and extends off the mainland to the island of Corsicaor Corse in rench. hile officially part of the larer national government, Corsica is designated as a territorial collective by law, which grants greater autonomy to the island. This effect can be seen in much of the winemaking process, which takes into consideration the Italian origins of many of the indigenous varieties. One example is the Sciacarello grape, which works wonderfully as a red or a rosé and is one of the most commonly-produced varieties on the island. Known for its ibrant color and delihtful aroatics, the rape taes full adantae of the inu - ence of a plant locals call l'immortelle d'Italie a daisy relatie nown scientifically as Helichrysum italicum). Idiomatically known as the "curry plant," its soft scents, as well as the perfue of its owers, are echoed in the wines. Corsica boasts nine AOC regions, including Vin de Corse, an island-wide des- ination. The first ppellation doriine contrle was atrionio, established in 1968, with notable Ajaccio following soon after. The remaining regions of the in de ays coprise Corse Cali, Corse orto-ecchio, Corse artène, Corse Figari and Coteaux-du-Cap-Corse. In fact, the majority of wine exported falls under the in de ays lle de Beaut desination. The most common variety used in Corsican rosé is Nielluccio ("Niellucciu" in local dialect). Genetically related to Sangiovese, Nielluccio is an early-budding grape that produces wine high in alcohol. On the lighter side, Vermentino (Rolle) is the most abundantly grown and pro - duced white ariety. Typically rown on seaside slopes, the rapes benefit fro etra sunliht reected off the water to create ibrant and liely wines. Blue ifestyle anain irector liera aroic recently traeled to the editerranean to saple seeral of the islands notable contributions. ere are her notes on the best Corsica has to offer, arranged from white to rosé to red. THE SURPRISING WINES OF CORSICA DISPLAY ITALIAN INFLUENCE AND FRENCH FLAIR by Ryan Ford Corse Work Vineyards in Corsica. WHITE Clos Teddi 2016 Vermentino, AOC/AOP Patrimonio Fruity and fresh with ripe citrus. rapefruit and tropical aors. Crisp, lon and liely. THE VINE COLLECTIVE Orenga de Gaffory 2016 Cuveé des Gouverneurs Blanc, AOC/AOP Patrimonio 100% Vermentino Fresh and juicy with hints of toasted oak and an elegant minerality. Crisp and stylish with bright acidity; balanced and lovely. VOS SELECTIONS ROSÉ Clos Teddi 2016 Rosé, AOC/AOP Patrimonio 75% Nielluccio, 25% Sciaccarello ale salon color and a oral nose with local aroas. Briht, liely acidity; long, juicy and balanced. THE VINE COLLECTIVE Clos San Quilico 2016 Rosé, AOC/AOP Patrimonio 75% Nielluccio, 25% Grenache Light pin color and oral nose. uicy and sooth with rich fruit; long and balanced. VOS SELECTIONS RED Domaine de Torraccia 2013 Oriu, AOC/AOP Vin de Corse 80% Nielluccio, 20% Sciaccarello Ripe berry fruit. Complex and rich; well-struc - tured with a juicy, spicy style. Elegant and lovely. VOS SELECTIONS Clos Venturi 2016 Sciaccarello, AOC/AOP Corse Richly structured with bright acidity. Smooth and balanced tany and lon with an intense finish. WINEBERRY Clos Culombu 2016 Etienne Suzzoni Rouge, AOC/AOP Corse Calvi 30% Niellucciu, 50% Sciaccarellu, 10% Syrah, 5% Minustellu, 5% Carcaghjolu ar and rich; very well structured with ripe blacberry aors. Cople and uicy. Fine acidic structure with nice balance and style. VINOTAS SELECTIONS PHOTO: CLAUDE CRUELLS