As one of the most significant native grapes of Corsica, a stunning Mediterranean island in France, Sciaccarellu provides a unique and eponymous flavour that is hard to come by elsewhere. This special grape variety is known for its red wines, bringing out an intriguing blend of characteristics appreciated by wine enthusiasts around the globe.
The Sciaccarellu grape, also known as Mammolo in Tuscany, has a bilberry-like hue, and the bush vines where it grows thrive in the granitic soils of the Ajaccio region. An exceptional peculiarity of the Sciaccarellu grape is its high anthocyanin content, which results in beautifully coloured red wines with the just right amount of tannin.
The wines produced by Sciaccarellu exhibit a complex overlay of flavours. They are typically characterized by noticeable red fruit aromas, including strawberry and redcurrant, intensified by an enticingly spicy note of white pepper. It is also worth noting that older vines impart a deeper, smoky aroma, with the discovery of a leather undertone and a typical Corsican 'maquis' scent, composed of heather, juniper, myrtle and thyme, topped off by a light and refreshing acidity.
Light to medium in body, the wines made from Sciaccarellu grape tend to be sophisticatedly balanced and paired best with local Corsican cuisine, like charcuterie, goat cheese, and robust meat dishes. The Sciaccarellu grape is also used in blends to add a dash of rustic charm and colour, with Nielluccio and Grenache being its common partners.
Whilst it is not as globally recognized as some other grape varieties, being that it is grown mostly in Corsica, the Sciaccarellu grape's high quality and distinctive flavour profile contribute significantly to its growing prestige in today's wine market. This grape's untamed character continues to charm winemakers and drinkers alike, resulting in its expansion to other winemaking regions.
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