Tried these two Corsican wines last night:
1, YL IGP: Ile de Beaute WW (13.5%; 70% Vermentinu/30% Biancu Gentile; KermitLynch/Berkeley) Vigneron: Yves Leccia/Dom. d'E Croce/Poggio d'Oletta/Corsica 2021: Pale gold color; strong floral/Vermen/gardenias some chalky/mineral/perfumed talc rather saline quite attractive Vermentino nose; quite tart/tangy/slight metallic very strong Verm/gardenias/floral slight mango/pineapple/R-like very perfumed rather savory/saline rather mineral/chalky/perfumed talc bit complex quite lovely flavor; very long/lingering saline finish that mirrors the flavor; a really lovely saline/perfumed Verm w/ loads of minerality; almost like a R in perfume; will benefit from a frew yrs of age I suspect.
$33.00 (KK)
_______________
2. Dom.Maestracci Clos Reginu AC: Corse Calvi (13%; 35% Niellucciu/30% Grenache/15% Sciaccarellu/15% Syrah/5% mourvedre) Vigeronne: Camille-Anais Raoust/Feliceto/Muro/Corse 2019: Med.color w/ some bricking;rather earthy/dusty some cherry/strawberry/Sangio rather coarse/rusticslight pencilly/oak nose; quite tart/tangy/bit metallic cherry/Sangio very earthy/dusty/loamy quite rustic/coarse bit savory flavor w/ modest rough tannins; med.long rough/coarse bit tired finish that mimics flavor; a rather rough/coarse/rustic Corsican Sangio w/ little fruit & not much to recommend it. $18.50 (KK)
_____________________________________
More corsebiddle from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. Vermentinu is, of course, Vermentino, and the most widely planted white variety in Corsica. Biancu Gentile is an indigenous white variety that was rescued from extinction. There is no DNA that I could find that relates it to any other vinifera grape. Mostly it is used in blends.
Niellucciu is DNA-wise identical to Sangiovese. Sciaccarellu is identical to the rare Tuscan grape Mammolo. Both grapes have been in Corsica so long & mutated such that they are considered native to Corsica.
Tom