13.5% abv, Domaine Vico, Ponte Lexus, imported by Saranty Imports, Stamford, CT.
The wines of Corsica, some say they are more Italian than French, and, although it is true that Nielluccio is a clone of Sangiovese, the wines in my opinion have an identity of their own, different than anything you’d fine in Italy, France or neighboring Sardegna. Historically speaking, although Corsica did not become part of France until the 18th century, viticulture here was pioneered by the Phocean people and even pre-dates the vineyards of Provence.
The Clos Sulana estate is located in the mountainous interior of the island and features a prime slope of terroir: the Clos Sulana. The 2016 vintage is a blend of 40% Nielluccio, 40% Sciaccarello and 20% Syrah. The family’s holding still comprises some of the original vines planted on this site in 1901 (very old indeed!), and their holding are now 49 hectares of vines grown over a rocky outcrop of schist, basalt, granite and pebbles that sit between 850 and almost 1200 feet at the foot of the mountains.
Tasting note: the 2016 ‘Centru di Corsica’ is medium ruby in color with a clean nose of medium intensity with aromas or carnation petals, dried cherry, fresh red currant, bay leaf, thyme, and anise. This wine is dry with medium acid, medium+ tannin, medium body, medium alcohol, medium+ flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of dried currant, red plum, myrtle orange, licorice, leather, black tea, oregano, and white pepper. Although the balance is a tad austere, there is a nice core of concentration here and a fine length on the finish, this wine is very good: 9.0/10.