Variety: 100% Vermentino
Region: Corsica
Cost: $19 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Golden straw in color, the wine boasts fresh and engaging aromas of honeysuckle, lime zest, and orange blossom. Bright and lively upon entry, it leads to a textural melange of Meyer lemon, almond, pear, and mountain herbs. There is a hint of wet stone that juxtaposes nicely with an ever-present vein of acidity that provides a clean finish.
My Review: It’s been a long time since I’ve had Vermentino – long enough that while I know I’ve had it, I couldn’t tell you the last time it was, especially as a single variety. Because of that, I was excited when offered the chance to try the CORSE white wine from Locations.
In the glass the wine was a golden straw color, and on the nose I picked up lime zest as the most prominent aroma. In the mouth the wine showed flavors of Meyer lemon, pear and a touch of wet stone/minerality. I was surprised by the flavors and mouthfeel of the wine showing as much roundness as it did given that the wine is stainless steel fermented – in a blind taste I would have guessed that the wine has been barrel-aged for at least a little while, which I suppose speaks to the grape as much as anything.
My wife and I paired the wine with a light charcuterie-style lunch and it was a nice break from our usual sauvignon blanc/rose’ selections this time of year – the body and flavors giving the wine a bit more character than we usually indulge in on a weekend.
For sub-$20 it’s a great pickup for when you’re looking something that has more body than your usual pinot grigio/sauvignon blanc/rose’, but you want something different than your standard oaked chardonnay. If you’re looking to check another location (no pun intended) off your list of places to drink wine from, the CORSE is, if nothing else, good for that.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
