Aquavita Corsa — Corsican Marc Grape Brandy

Corsica, France — island-wide production by wine estates; traditional digestif; maceration base for Corsican botanical preparations

Aquavita Corsa (also called marc de Corse or acqua vita corsa) is a pomace brandy distilled from the pressed grape skins, seeds, and stems of Corsican wine production — primarily from Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, and Vermentino varieties. Distilled in pot stills at 70–75% ABV before reduction to 40–45%. Rustic, powerful, and grape-variety expressive in character. Three principal styles: Blanche (clear, unaged, direct expression); Élevée en Fût de Chêne (aged in Corsican oak, amber, softened); and Vieille (aged 3+ years, complex, raisin and dried fruit notes). The Aquavita Corsa forms the base of maceration preparations throughout Corsican cuisine — Mirto di Corsica liqueur, Cap Corse Mattei, and preserved citrus all use it as the neutral spirit. Also consumed as a digestif, often infused with wild myrtle or Cédrat Corse peel.

Blanche: fresh, floral, grape-variety expressive. Élevée en Fût: spice, vanilla, dried fruit. Vieille: raisin, dried apricot, maquis herb. A spirit that encodes the island's grape varieties.