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Corinto (mostly known as Corinto Nero) is an ancient and exceptionally rare red grape variety grown on the sunny Lipari (Aeolian) Islands, near Sicily. It produces structured, medium-bodied red wines. Smelling of dark cherries, figs, Mediterranean herbs, and smoke, Corinto wines are a unique reflection of the volcanic terroir in your glass.
Read moreDue to extremely small cultivation areas, this variety is a true rarity in the global wine market. When choosing, it is important to understand the production style of this southern wine.
In traditional Lipari Island winemaking, Corinto Nero is most commonly used in blends with Malvasia delle Lipari and Nero d'Avola. In such ensembles, it adds deep color, structure, and sharper tannins to the wine. However, the island's best winemakers also create 100% Corinto Nero wines. These rare solo drinks feature exceptional volcanic minerality (saltiness) and a very pronounced jamminess resulting from sun-ripened berries.
Firm tannins and sunny fruitiness make this wine an excellent companion to Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs perfectly with barbecued meat (especially lamb), spicier pasta dishes (with olives and capers), aged cheeses, and traditional Sicilian dishes such as Caponata (eggplant stew).
It is believed that this variety was brought to the Lipari Islands by ancient Greek colonists from the surroundings of the city of Corinth (hence the name "Corinto"). Growing for centuries on isolated, volcanic islands, it adapted perfectly to extreme heat and winds. It is one of the few varieties that escaped the phylloxera epidemic and often grows on its own (ungrafted) roots.
The Aeolian Islands are an active volcanic zone. The soil here consists of pumice, ash, and volcanic rocks; it is rich in minerals but highly lacks moisture. Such extreme conditions force the Corinto vines to struggle and yield very low crops. This results in massive flavor concentration in the berries and a distinctive, smoky-salty finish in the wine.
