DP // Interprofession des vins Corse 2017 // English version

PRESS KIT 2017

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INTRODUCTION Wines of Corsica, the promise of some amazing discoveries.

The wines of Corsica are the reflection all the incredible singularity of this sea-bound land. In our mind’s eye we can picture its rugged, sun drenched landscapes, battered by the prevailing winds; surprising, intrepid and resolutely different. A taste of elsewhere, the promise of an adventure that will exhilarate the taste buds and send the senses whirling in a moment of pure gourmandise and discovery. The Corsican vineyards are also full of paradoxes. The furthest south, amongst the smallest and most undiscovered, they are also the sunniest, overlooked by 20 peaks that culminate at more than 2000 metres altitude.

Here, tradition coexists in harmony with innovation, and one third of the winemakers are women. The mere evocation of its indigenous grape varieties or its appellations with their melodious names presages a unique and exceptional experience: Nielluccio, Sciaccarellu, Vermentinu, Patrimonio, Calvi, Porto-Vecchio...

An auspicious 2015 vintage The 2015 vintage shows excellent balance between quality and quantity. The growing season was characterised by low levels of cryptogrammic disease (odium, mildew, rot) in the spring. Very hot weather arrived in June, followed by a heatwave in July and little or no rainfall.

These conditions accelerated the ripening process, with harvesting beginning in the second week of August, some 10 to 15 days ahead of normal in the habitually later ripening zones and for the grapes destined for red wines. Acidity levels are good, associated with elevated degrees, despite bigger yields than in 2014 (+10 to 15%).

The wine profiles in 2015 are very promising. The rosés are showing an attractive palette of colours and lovely fresh aromas, the whites are beautifully aromatic and full of finesse and the reds reveal an agreeable sensorial profile and good structure.

The voyage starts here……

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1/ UNSUSPECTED Rich with a thousand years of history

It is said that vines grew wild on the island between 4 and 6 thousand years ago, and their sweet tasting berries were picked for eating. Grapes only entered the realm of wine with the arrival of the Greeks, and subsequently Roman viticultural skills increased the development and consumption of wine across all social classes.

Over the last two decades, Corsica has succeeded in creating a new dynamic, notably thanks to the recognition of its appellations and the creation of organisations whose mission it is to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the Corsican vineyards.

6th century BC: Arrival of the Greeks and the beginning of vine cultivation.

3rd century: Viticultural practices are developed by the Romans 11th century: Wine from Corsica fills the chalices and drinking vessels of the aristocracy of Pisa.

12th century: The Genoans continue cultivation of the vines.

21st century: The winemaking activity of the island becomes a veritable economic motor once more.

1968 : Creation of AOC Patrimonio 1969 : Founding of the professional body “Groupement Interprofessionnel des Vins de Corse” (GIVIC) 1971 : Creation of AOC Ajaccio 1976 : Creation of AOC Corse, Corse Calvi, Corse Côteaux du Cap Corse, Corse Figari, Corse Porto-Vecchio, and Corse Sartène 1977 : Founding of the association UVA Corse (Union des Vignerons Propriétaires de caves d’Appellations Contrôlées des vins de Corse)

18th century: The French maintain viticultural activity and develop the export of wine to Italy.

1982 : Creation of the appellation Vins de Pays de l’Ile de Beauté (now known as PGI)

19th century: The vines are severely touched by outbreaks of Odium and Phylloxera, but exportation takes off again at the end of the century, allowing large estates to develop.

1993 : Creation of AOC Muscat du Cap Corse

20th century: The First World War and the collapse of prices bring the expansion of wine production to a halt.

1996 : The GIVIC becomes the “Comité Intersyndical des Vins de Corse” 1998 : There is increasing visibility for Wines of Corsica amongst sommeliers, wine shops, wine bars and restaurantss 2002 : Creation of the appellation Vins de Pays 2006 : Establishment of a Plan for the development of Corsican viticulture.

2008 : The CIV Corse changes its status to become the “Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Corse” trade association.

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2/ INCOMPARABLE Betwixt sea and mountain, an exceptional location A specific climate

The Mediterranean climate reigns supreme in this steep, sun-filled land, where the vines nestle between the sea and the mountains. Thanks to the combined effect of these two elements the coastal zone, where the majority of vines are to be found, enjoys mild temperatures all year round. This climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters is highly beneficial to grape quality. One of the most consistent qualities of the Corsican climate is its exceptional sunshine hours, on average 2885 per year. However, due to the mountainous relief the island can also be subject to heavy rainfall and is constantly battered by winds, finding itself at the confluence of the Provencal Mistral, the Libeccio from Gibraltar and the Tramontane from the north-west. Forged by the elements, a patchwork of microclimates mould the contours of wines of unique character.

Geological Complexity Corsica is a veritable mountain in the sea with peaks that soar to altitudes of up to 2710 metres. Amidst these craggy inclines lie a myriad of small valleys and hillsides, with a huge diversity of soils that lend themselves to original and distinctive expressions. The island can be divided into four main geological regions: Granitic Corsica to the west: it covers two thirds of the island and stretches over the highest mountains which are composed of granitic soils. Rich in silica, alumina, potassium and sometimes calcium, they confer great finesse and intense floral aromas on the wines.

Alpine Corsica to the east: numerous types of schist in the north and the east, rich in calcium carbonate, give softly delicate wines.

A region of limestone deposits in the north-west and the south: rocks from which extraordinary white cliffs are sculpted and soils that produce ample, well-rounded wines with mineral, floral and fruity notes.

The East Coast: these foothills of gentle slopes and small plateaux with their clay or siliceous clay soils give rise to delicate, harmonious wines.

Spotlight on the Corsican Wine Trade Association (CIV Corse) The professional body, the “Conseil Interprofessionnel des vins de Corse� was established in 2008.

It unites 110 independent producers, 245 cooperative members, 2 wine cooperatives, 1 SICA (producer collective) and 1 SCA (private company) who together form a very representative cross section of Corsican viticulture. Its principal function is the governance of the sector, and to act as its representative before the public authorities at regional, national and European level. Its role is also to define development strategy, implemented annually via a promotional action plan.

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Diversity is just a glass away With a surface of 8,680 km2, Corsica is a land rich in diversity and surprises, with no less than nine protected designations of origin (PDO), divided between “Cru”, “Villages” and “Regional” appellations, plus a specific appellation for the sweet “Vins Doux Naturels” wines. And the wines of the protected geographical indication PGI de l’Ile de Beauté alone represent over half of the total production of the Corsican vineyards.

PDO Ajaccio PDO Patrimonio 6

3/ UNEXPECTED The ÂŤ Cru Âť appellations

The totality of the appellation sits on the western side of Corsica, in the midst of landscapes of uneven escarpments and long, rectilinear valleys from which it draws all its originality. Here the granite soils in which the vines are planted harbour the oldest rock formations in Corsica.

Wines: Made from the Sciaccarellu grape, the red wines are remarkable for their intense aromas and the rosĂŠs for their fruitiness. The whites, dominantly made from Vermentinu, are distinctly floral.

Surface: 255 hectares Average Production: 7,571 hectolitres Number of producers: 16 independent producers

At the foot of Cap Corse, facing the Gulf of Saint-Florent, stretches a vast area of intertwining plains, hills and valleys. Sheltered from the wind, the vines bathe in the hot afternoon sun and flourish in quality schist or granitic soils.

Wines: Made from Vermentinu, the whites are fruity and floral, whereas the reds made from Niellucciu are often full-bodied and opulent with magnificent tannins.

Surface : 426 hectares Average Production: 14,899 hectolitres Number of producers: 35 independent producers

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PDO Corse Calvi PDO Corse Sartene PDO Corse figari

The « Villages » Appellations The vines are planted on hillsides and plateaux that are separated from the rest of the island by a chain of mountains that rise up to 1,941 metres. The temperate climate and the strong winds give the vines the vigour to develop their best expression.

Wines: The rosés which are renowned for their crystal clarity are for drinking young. The powerfully aromatic whites offer characteristic notes of citrus, and the reds are well-structured and characterful.

Surface: 225 hectares Average Production: 7,547 hectolitres Number of producers: 12 independent producers

This appellation stretches over two distinct zones, the region of Tizzano and the Ortolo Valley. Nurtured by a typically Mediterranean climate, it is epitomised by its luminosity and the mildness of its temperatures.

In this mountainous landscape, the soils are mainly granitic.

Wines: Light white wines, pale but very fruity rosés, and reds that are supple, succulent and spicy.

Surface: 221 hectares Average Production: 8,909 hectolitres Number of producers: 9 independent producers

Bordered on its coastal side by small coves of crystalline water and inland by undulating valleys, this appellation marks the most southerly point of the island. Characterised by the intensity of the winds, the mildness of its climate and its irregular rainfall, its soils are siliceous and acidic.

Wines: Wine styles vary depending on the grape varieties and the blends. In general, the white wines are extremely floral with exotic notes, the rosés vivid and highly coloured, and the red wines are wellstructured and deep in colour.

Surface: 126 hectares Average Production: 4,943 hectolitres Number of producers: 7 independent producers

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PDO Corse Porto Vecchio PDO Corse Côteaux du Cap Corse

PDO Corse 10

Porto-Vecchio sits facing the rising sun wedged between a rocky coastline and the biggest expanse of cork oak forest on the island. This arid land that plunges into the sea is battered by the wind, rendering each vine stock stronger.

Wines: Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu grapes are blended with the traditional Grenache to create smooth, elegant reds and refined and aromatic rosés. The whites, made from Vermentinu, are beautifully fresh and fruity.

Surface: 86 hectares Average Production: 3,045 hectolitres Number of producers: 4 independent producers

The long, narrow peninsular that is Cap Corse extends for around forty kilometres. Characterised by a Mediterranean climate, it enjoys mild winters and very hot summers with no clear in-between seasons. The soils are mainly greenstone and crystalline limestone.

Wines: The reds have great ageing potential, and the whites, made from Vermentinu, combine aromatic finesse, a floral elegance and fine mineral notes.

Surface: 30 hectares Average Production: 737 hectolitres Number of producers: 5 independent producers

The « Regional» Appellation

This appellation is the largest wine growing area of the island, running from Bastia to Solenzar along the entire eastern seaboard. Backing on to a series of rocky ridges, these terroirs create an infinite mosaic of vineyards rooted in a mineral environment.

Wines: The whites are floral and tensile, the rosés fruitily spicy, with the reds revealing varying characteristics according to the principal grape variety.

Surface: 1,405 hectares Average Production: 63,987 hectolitres Number of producers: 20 independent producers and 4 wine cooperatives 11

PDO Muscat du Cap Corse

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The « Vins Doux Naturels” appellation

Due to its geographical situation, Cap Corse is largely turned towards the sea. The vineyards are suspended high on vertiginous limestone clay terraces, giving this Muscat all its rarity and delicacy.

Wine: Sweet and natural, these fragrant and deliciously aromatic wines offer a range of hues from pale gold to amber. Marked by notes of crystallized fruit, citrus zests and even beeswax for certain of them, their predominant characteristics are complexity and elegance.

Surface: 67 hectares Average Production: 1,014 hectolitres Number of producers: 38 independent producers

PGI de l’Ile de Beauté These wines find their expression is a varied palette of typically Corsican grape varieties.

Their diversity of personality and flavour offers a taste of all the typical characteristics of the island’s wines. There fall into two main categories: Varietal wines These wines are blended from indigenous Corsican grape varieties such as Niellucciu, Vermentinu and Sciaccarellu, and mainland varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, and sold under the name of a domain or a brand. They are notable for their aromatic qualities.

Primeur wines Available from the third Thursday of October, the aromatic potential and lightness of these wines are best appreciated whilst young.

Surface: 2,719 hectares Average Production: 224,000 hectolitres Number of producers: 29 independent producers- 4 wine cooperatives

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4

10%

% 20

60%

30%

contract growers

}

160

PDO: matured Les AOP élevéshere, et appreciated everywhere consommés au pays

%

104

PGI: La diaspora open to the world des Vins de Pays 30

independents

264

producers

4/ INSPIRING

50%

cooperative

wineries

Production 370,000 hl 370 000 hl surprenants

237 000 hl de 224,000hl Vins De Pays PGI wines et De Cépages

114,800hl 111 000 hl PDO wines de vins AOP Rosés

jobs

1500

500 1000

employees

seasonal workers

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Vins de Pays and Varietal wines

64 %

PDO wines

31 %

Vins de Table

5%

Rosés

51 %

Reds

33 %

72 % 19 % Whites

9%

Reds

Whites

15 % Muscats

1%

SMALL BUT INFINITELY RICH IN TERROIRS PDO Map

5,560 ha -9 PDO - 1 PGI PDO Corse Sartène 221 ha

PDO Ajaccio 255 ha

PDO Corse Figari 126 ha

PDO Corse Calvi 225 ha

2841 ha of 9 PDO

PDO Corse Porto-Vecchio 86 ha

PDO Patrimonio 426 ha PDO Muscat du Cap Corse 67ha

2719 ha of PGI Ile de beauté

PDO Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse 30 ha PDO Corse 1405 ha

Varieties 33%

Other varieties

15%

Sciaccarellu

35%

Niellucciu

17%

Vermentinu

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5/ UNPARALLELED Grapes of unique character Corsica contains a veritable natural treasure with no less than 30 grape varieties* with intriguing and melodious names that inspire the imagination. The strong personalities of the wines of Corsica draw their source from the depth of soul of these indigenous grapes of inestimable wealth. Six varieties have been recognised within this refined mosaic as being amongst the most noble in Corsica: Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, Aleatico, Vermentinu, Bianco Gentile and Barbarossa.

Remarkable reds Niellucciu

This grape, planted across some 2,000 hectares, is amongst those responsible for the renown of the wines of Patrimonio. It gives rise to intense and deeply coloured wines abounding in liquorice notes and red berry fruit, sometimes with nuances of oak and even more spicy, animal aromas with age.

It also allows the production of vivid pink rosĂŠs, that are wonderfully fruity, graceful and elegant.

Sciaccarellu

Covering more than 600 hectares, Sciaccarellu is master of the granitic terroirs of western Corsica, producing wines of great finesse. Distinguished by their complex aromas of red fruit, spices, wild scrubland flowers and toasted notes, they are full-bodied, round and wellbalanced.

Its rosĂŠs are deliciously delicate, with hues of pale salmon pink and fine fruity aromas.

Aleatico

Aleatico is to be found on the eastern side of the island, in the regions of Porto-Vecchio and Cap Corse. It gives brilliant, deeply coloured wines with occasional flashes of violet.

Extremely aromatic, at the crossroads of power and finesse, it is surprisingly fragrant and floral. The wines are characterised by their balanced smoothness and superb acidity.

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* Aleatico, Barbarossa, Bianco Gentile, Biancone, Brustianu, Carcajolo Bianco, Carcajolo Nero, Codivarta, Cualtacciu, Genovese, Minustellu, Montanaccia, Muscateddu, Murescola, Muresconu, Muriscu, Niellucciu, Paga Debiti, Prumeste, Riminese, Rossula Bianca, Sciaccarellu, Vermentinu, Vintai, and the lesser known Altiani...

Stunning whites Vermentinu

With its implantation across all the regions of Corsica, over more than 1,150 hectares, Vermentinu allows the creation of high quality wines of strong typicity. It is considered one of the most outstanding white varieties in the Mediterranean for its wide palette of floral aromas. The wines offer great volume in the mouth, evolving in a register of almonds and apple.

Associated with black grape varieties, it produces rosĂŠs of distinct personality.

Bianco Gentile

Planted over a tiny surface, this indigenous variety is unique to Corsica. The wines are beautifully pale with highlights that range from jade to deep gold when they reach a certain maturity. Powerful aromas of exotic fruit and citrus on the nose. Pure, well rounded and balanced in the mouth.

Barbarossa

Present in the Sartène, Porto-Vecchio, Figari, Ajaccio and west coast appellations, the Barbarossa grape produces luminous wines glinting with pale gold. Remarkably fragrant with pronounced floral aromas and superb balance.

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6/ IRRESISTIBLE Wines of Corsica on your table The wines of Corsica, with their vast aromatic palette, are masters in the art of delighting your tastebuds. They offer an infinite number of gastronomic possibilities; here is just a small selection of gourmet pairings that demonstrate all their potential.

Light, pale coloured rosés (serve between 9° and 11°)

Cap Corse Muscat

We look to PDO Corse, Ajaccio and Corse Calvi.

Match with: grilled white meats, typical Corsican charcuterie such as coppa, lonzo and figatellu, or goat’s cheese.

Match with: mixed nuts, almonds or hazelnuts for aperitif, blue cheese such as Roquefort, citrus desserts or Fritelli, Corsican style fritters.

Fresh, aromatic whites (serve between 6° and 11°)

Well-structured and balanced reds

Focus on PDO Corse Porto-Vecchio, Patrimonio and Corse.

Coteaux du Cap Corse.

Match with: shellfish, particularly oysters and mussels, langoustines or crab, or quite simply with grilled fish.

And for a typically Corsican dish, try Aziminu, a kind of Corsican bouillabaisse (fish stew).

Opt for PDO Corse Figari, Patrimonio or Corse Sartène.

Match with: Corsican potage, a rare cut of beef or game, ewe’s milk cheese, and for the more intrepid…. Corsican style tripe.

When should they be drunk?

The wines of Corsica demonstrate an excellent capacity for ageing, with the exception of the rosés which should preferably be consumed within the year.

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(serve between 8° and 10°)

(serve between 12° and 15°)

Whites made from Vermentinu – Ageing potential 18 to 24 months Reds made from Sciaccarellu – Ageing potential 3 to 4 years Reds made from Niellucciu – Ageing potential 6 to 7 years

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maquette graphique :

PRESS CONTACTS Rouge Granit, Laurent Courtial

& Claire Barnéoud 13 Place Benoît Crépu 69005 Lyon • Tél. : 04 37 65 08 59 cbarneoud@rouge-granit.fr • 06 46 36 57 52 www.rouge-granit.fr

CIV Corse

Bernard Sonnet & Caroline Franchi 7, boulevard du Général de Gaulle 20200 Bastia Tél. : 04 95 32 91 32 • Fax : 04 95 32 87 81 civ@vinsdecorse.com www.vinsdecorse.com

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