Biancu GentileCorsica's elegant white treasure with a Renaissance waiting to happen

Biancu Gentile is a rare indigenous white grape variety from Corsica, an island renowned for its distinctive and ancient wine heritage. The name translates roughly to "noble white" in Corsican, hinting at its historical prestige on this Mediterranean island. Once widely planted across Corsica's mountainous terrain, Biancu Gentile nearly vanished during the phylloxera crisis and subsequent shift toward more commercially popular varieties.

Today, this grape is experiencing a passionate revival thanks to dedicated winemakers who recognize its potential to create distinctive, terroir-driven wines. Found primarily in northern Corsica around Patrimonio and the Cape Corse peninsula, Biancu Gentile thrives in the island's limestone and schist soils. It's typically vinified as a single varietal or blended with Vermentinu, producing wines that beautifully express Corsica's unique character—somewhere between French elegance and Italian vivacity, with a wild Mediterranean soul all its own.

Biancu Gentile produces delicate, aromatic wines with beautiful complexity. On the nose, expect enticing notes of white flowers—particularly orange blossom and acacia—alongside fresh citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit. There's often a distinctive herbal quality reminiscent of the Corsican maquis: wild fennel, thyme, and a subtle maritime salinity that speaks of coastal vineyards kissed by sea breezes.

On the palate, these wines show remarkable freshness with crisp acidity balanced by a subtle roundness and an almost creamy texture. Flavors include green apple, white peach, and almond, with a characteristic mineral backbone and a slightly bitter, pleasantly herbal finish. The wines are typically medium-bodied with moderate alcohol.

Biancu Gentile pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine: grilled fish, seafood pasta, fresh goat cheese, Corsican charcuterie, and dishes featuring herbs de Provence. It's also wonderful with Asian cuisine, particularly Thai and Vietnamese dishes where its aromatic profile and acidity complement complex flavors.