Tried these Corsican reds ystrday @ Pig+Fig:
1. Clos Canarelli Amphora Ad'OP: Corse Figari (13.5%; MeBalP; 40% Niellucciu&Sciaccarellu/20% Minustellu&Careaghjolu&Muresconn; 14 yr old vines average) 2021: Very dark color; strong plummy/cherry/spicy rich Refosco-like some earthy/dusty bit peppery somewhat rustic vaguely Tuscan-like interesting nose; fairly tart rather earthy/dusty/OV ; bit strawberry/plummy/cherry rather rustic interesting flavorw/ some rough/chewey tannins; long quite earthy/rustic finish w/ rough tannins; not sure what the amphora does for this wine; a fairly big rather rustic red that lacks the high-tone character of Sangio. $98.00 (KL)
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2. Dom.Maestracci E Prove AC: Corse Calvi RW (13.5%; MeBaD; 35% Niellucciu/35% Grenache/15% Sciaccarellu/15% Syrah; 25-40 yr old vines) 2018 Very dark color; some fragrant/floral/Grenache-like/strawberry slight pencilly/oak rather interesting/rustic nose almost Syrah-like; lightly tart fairly rich/lush plummy/blackberry/strawberry light earthy/dusty/OV bit Syrah-like bit pencilly/oak some rustic flavor w/ modest rough tannins; very long finish w/ light rough tannins that tracks flavor; reminds more of Syrah than anything; a rather interesting rustic red. $28.00 (KL)
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3. Dom..Giacometti Crudes Agriate Ad'OP: Patrimonio (13%; MeBalP; 97% Niellucciu/3% Grenache; 10-45 yr old vines) Giacometti/Casta/St.Florent 2020: Dark color; strong blackberry/plummy some earthy/loamy bit dusty/OV fairly floral/perfumed/rose petal some toasty/oak quite interseting nose; bit soft fairly rich/lush light rough some blackberry/Syrah-like bit toasty/oak some rough/rustic flavor w/ light rough tannins; very long/lingering blackberry/Syrah-like finish that tracks flavor; a bit rustic rather Syrah-like red; my favorite of these reds because it has more of a high-toned character. $26.00 (KL)
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More zitterfrit from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. These Corsican reds all came from Kermit-Lynch, who has one of the best Corsican portfolios around. The grape varieties, all the native names for Corsican varieties. Corsica existed in isolation for many yrs. Many of the grapes are common to other areas of Italy but have existed in isolation for centuries & have developed their own indigenous qualities, even though they may share the same DNA for those varieties in other regions. All three of these reds had rather a rustic character & not much of the high-toned character of Tuscan or other Italian reds.
Niellucciu is DNA-identical to the Tuscan Sangiovese grape. It is the grape most widely used in Corsican reds. Sciacarello is often blended into Corsican reds. DNA indicates it is related to the Tuscan Mammolo used some in Tuscan blends. Minustellu is also known as Morrastrel, but no indication that its related to Monastrell/Mataro.
Careaghjolu is known in Portugal as Monvedro, but it's not clear that it's the same as Mourvedre. Muresconn doesn't appear to be related to any other varieties & is simply regarded as a Corsican native variety. Appears no DNA work has been done on this grape.Syrah & Grenache appear to be relatively new arrivals to Corsica. Alas, it appears that the Corsicans have allowed Merlot to invade their island. Anyway...it's all very confusing.
I liked all three of the reds. They all displayed a fairly rich but rustic character. Interesting reds.
Tom