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Is Terra di Corsica 2004 just more Mediterranean plonk?

corsican wine terre de corsica
Corsica has a reputation of "feeding its own" when it comes to its wine production. Translation: Corsican wine is not good enough to make it in today's competitive wine market. So it languishes in its homeland, poured from wicker bottle holders into the modest glasses of its countrymen and countrywomen. Or something like that. Cue soundtrack.

Though I've only had two types of A.O.C. Vin de Corse wines -- the two that the SAQ stock -- and a couple of lesser Corsican VDPS (vin de pays) wines, I really can't see what's holding these wines back. If you like a Chianti or a good French-style Syrah, you'll most likely like these.

It's almost always a combination of the Nielluccio grape variety -- a close relative of Sangiovese -- and Syrah that make up the blended red wines of Corsica. While that may be a general description of what you can expect from the French island off the coasts of France and Italy, the biggest hurdle to surmount is finding one.

Oh look, here's one! The Terra di Corsica Corse 2004 is an A.O.C. (Vin de) Corse example available at the SAQ (though the bottle may be plonk-shaped, don't let that fool you -- click on it for more). The Corse appellation requires the Nielluccio grape to be used heavily in the wines baring the A.O.C. designation. As I mentioned, expect a rounder type Sangiovese, the grape of Chianti fame. Then to the regional red grape, Syrah is added.

The resulting mix is great with food because it is light and quenching, juicy and savoury. Prune flavours offer depth and fruitiness. This wine drinks differently directly after the pour than it does just minutes later, which suggests a slight carbonation. I found it hard to distinguish this effervescence from the raspy acidity I was expecting.

Does it stand up to much scrutiny? Probably not. But the bottom line is that the stuff is a very pleasant wine to have around food.

It's a nice generic wine for everyday dinners. While most Corsican wines are traditionally enjoyed with local produce like guinea hens served in a sauce of myrtle, which is the predominant herb on the island, I had it with a stick-to-your-ribs endive salad overflowing with blue cheese and French-fried potatoes on the side from Au Pied de cochon.

Aléria, Corse, France. 12.5%.

8 comments:

Joe said...

everytime I see this post I think of Cheech & Chong's "The Corsican Brothers" (dating myself...). I don't believe I have ever had a Corsican wine - Sardinian, yes, but not Corsican.

Marcus said...

Interesting... I'm not up on that reference.

There does seem to be some prominent Sardinian wines at the SAQ. Since they are usually wines featuring sun-baked Grenache (which are known there as "Cannonau") I favour the Syrah and regional grape blends of Corsica instead.

By the way, get used to seeing this post. I'm on vacation.

(It's not a real vacation -- just a work break. And that seems to includes blogging, unless the sudden urge to post photos of Ontario wine samples from 2002 hits me.)

Joe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joe said...

My apologies, an obscure flick...
I never knew Cannonau was Grenache - thanks for that!
Sorry to hear you are leaving us, but the Ontario wine samples would be appreciated. We look forward to having you back!

Marcus said...

Joe, no need to apologize. After hearing about Keith Richard snorting his father's ashes, I'm kinda glad you bought this up. Educate me!

Joe said...

It is not and education to be desired, but here is the Yahoo! movies link http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800046526/info

Marcus said...

"A vulgar parody of the classic Corsican Brothers story about two siblings who were separated at birth, but remained bound by a powerful spiritual force. In this version, each of the brothers feels the physical afflictions of the other."

This reminds me less of the two AOC Corse wines I sampled and more about twins I knew, of whom one worked in my office. He said the classic stupid twin question was from people who wondered whether he could feel pain when his brother was put into an armlock.

Marcus said...

Subsequent local reviews of the Terra di Corsica since I posted this three months ago:

www.vinquebec.com

www.michelphaneufvin.com