September 2025. Pippa Hayward, wines of Corsica and Sardinia

 

 This month saw the return of Pippa Hayward, who’s been a few times before, this time bringing Wines from Corsica (French) and Sardinia (Italy). Until recently neither had exporting wine industries, so most of us will not have come across wines from these areas.

One point to note is the grape variety names are the local names – Nielluccio is in fact Sangiovese, or a clone of Sangiovese (opinions still differ)

All scores are my own, personal tastes may differ.

Whites/Rose

The Society’s Corsican Rosé, Ile de Beauté 2024 (C) 90% Sciaccarellu, 10% Cinsault 12.8%. The Wine Society, £10.95.

A very pale Rose, in the Corsican style. Quite dry. 8/10

Le Arenarie, Vermentino di Gallura 2024 (S) 100% Vermentino 13.0%. Waitrose, £15.

Personally not that keen – quite full bodied. Needs food? 7/10

Vermentino is the principle grape in Corsica.

Terra Nostra Corse Blanc 2024 (C) 100% Vermentino 12.0%. TWS, £11.50

Very pale, an excellent fish & chip wine. 7.5/10

Corse-Calvi, Domaine Alzipratu, 2022 (C) 95% Vermentino 5% Bianco gentile !3.0%. TWS, £15.50

Very dry but well rounded. Full of flavour. 8.5/10

 

Reds

Corse Calvi Rouge, Clos Culombu 2022 (C) 100% Nielluccio 14.5%. TWS £15.50

Very nice – Classic Sangiovese. 8/10

Comte Peraldi Ajaccio Rouge 2020 (C) 60% Sciaccarellu, 30% Nielluccio, 10% Cinsault/Carignan 13.5%. TWS £23

5 yrs old now, quite pale, light bodied. Not really my sort of thing 7/10

Agricola Punica Montessu 2022 (S) 60% Carignano, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Syrah,10% Cabernet Sauvignon 14.5%. Vinvm (online) £19.60

IGT not DOC, but still very good. Full bodied. My sort of Red. 8.5/10

Carignano Del Sulcis "Grotta Rossa", 2023 Cantina Santadi (S) 100% Carignano 13.5%. Vinvm (online) £19

Old Bush vines. Still on original rootstock. Full bodied. Lovely. 9/10