Ajaccio (wine region)

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Appellations in Corsica, 1 = Ajaccio

The Ajaccio wine-growing region is an appellation named after the place of the same name in the west of the island of Corsica . Since April 3, 1984, the area has had the status of an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC for short). Before this date, the wines were marketed under the name Vin de Cores-Ajaccio or Vin de Corse-Coteaux d'Ajaccio. Approved vineyards spread over the 36 municipalities Afa , Ajaccio , Alata , Albitreccia , Ambiegna , Appietto , Arbori , Arro , Bastelicaccia , Calcatoggio , Cannelle , Carbuccia , Cargèse , Casaglione , Casalabriva , Cauro , Coggia , Cognocoli-Monticchi , Coti-Chiavari , Cuttoli-Corticchiato , Eccica-Suarella , Grosseto-Prugna , Ocana , Peri , Piana , Pietrosella , Pila-Canale , Sant'Andréa-d'Orcino , Sarrola-Carcopino , Serra-di-Ferro , Tavaco , Valle-di-Mezzana , Vero , Vico and Villanova . Approx. 7,000 hectoliters of wine are harvested on a vineyard area of ​​approx. 220 hectares (as of 2002). The lion's share of this is red and rosé wines; only 900 hl are white wine.

The climate in combination with the barren soils and the hillside location of the vineyards allows only a very limited yield and thus ensures a good quality of the berry material. The long-term average is a yield of a very low 34.50 hl / ha.

geography

The cultivation area extends in a semicircle on slopes around the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Gulf of Sagone. Viticulture is mainly concentrated within the four river valleys of Liamone, Gravona, Prunelli and Tavaro. The vineyards are not higher than 380 m above sea level. NN located. Despite its extension of approx. 60 km in length, a clay soil interspersed with weathered granite dominates on a granite plinth.

climate

The area to the west is mostly very protected from the frequently blowing, sometimes violent winds by the winding valley locations. In times of damp weather (in spring and in late autumn) there is always a risk of significant soil erosion when there is heavy rainfall . The erosion is mainly to blame that the soils in the lower valleys are deeper and therefore more fertile. During the night, colder air sinks from the up to 1000 m high mountains east of the appellation and thus ensures a balanced wine-growing climate with a slightly delayed growth period.

The wines

  • the red wines consist of at least 60% of the main grape varieties Barbarossa , Sangiovese , which is, however, called Niellucio in Corsica , Sciaccarello (its share is at least 40%) and / or the white variety Vermentino . The remaining max. 40% share the secondary varieties Carignan (max. 15%), Cinsault and Grenache . The Most must before fermentation for at least 189 g / l sugar have. The dry red wine has an alcohol content of at least 12% by volume.
  • the rosé wine is made from the same grape varieties as the red wine. Here, the must must have at least 170 g / l sugar before fermentation. The dry rosé wine has an alcohol content of at least 11.5% by volume.
  • the majority of the white wine is made from the Vermentino grape variety , locally known as Vermentinu or Malvoisie de Corse . The Ugni Blanc grape variety may be added to a maximum of 20% of the wine . Before fermentation, the must must have at least 170 g / l sugar. The dry rosé wine has an alcohol content of at least 11.5% by volume.

The white wine can be stored for about 2–3 years, but does not gain from storage. It should be enjoyed at a drinking temperature of 8-10 ° C. The same applies to the rosé.

The red wine, however, should be stored for 3–7 years. The drinking temperature is 15-16 ° C.

The general harvest restriction is max. 45 hl / ha. A year-related adjustment is not planned.

See also

literature