Buy Corsican wines

Corsica, a land of exceptional terroir

Corsica is a true gem of France's wine heritage. Indeed, Corsican wines, whether red, white, or rosé, reveal all the splendor and richness of the island’s landscapes.

Benefiting from a sunny climate as well as diverse terroirs and grape varieties, the vineyards are full of surprises. From the south of the island with its AOP Figari and Porto-Vecchio, passing through the renowned Patrimonio, and reaching all the way north to the AOP Muscat du Cap Corse, the local wines instantly transport us to the sun !

History of viticulture in Corsica

Viticulture in Corsica dates back 2,500 years. This last one was introduced by the Greeks and then developed by the Romans.

Under Genoese rule (from the 13th to the 18th century), wine production intensified with the introduction of numerous local grape varieties. In the 19th century, the vineyards were devastated by phylloxera.

In the 1960s, repatriates from Algeria revived viticulture, but the quality remained low until the creation of the first AOCs in the 1970s.

Today, Corsican wines are recognized for their quality, highlighting indigenous grape varieties and increasingly environmentally friendly practices.

Corsican grape varieties

Corsica is home to a wide variety of grape varieties, each bringing unique aromas to the wines produced.Indigenous grape varieties are indeed at the heart of Corsica’s wine identity.

The main red varieties include Niellucciu (or Sangiovese), mainly planted in the north (notably AOP Patrimonio and AOP Calvi), as well as Sciaccarellu (or Sciacarello), which dominates the southwest (AOP Ajaccio, AOP Sartène, AOP Figari, etc.).

Niellucciu evokes aromas of red and black fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), nuances of pepper and sweet spices, as well as notes of aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary, garrigue). An animal character may also emerge in the wines during their youth.

Sciaccarellu offers more delicate aromas, also focused on fruits and spices (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, pepper, etc.), but often lighter.Some floral notes (violet) may also emerge on the palate. Finally, its tannins are generally softer. When cultivated with appropriate yields and on suitable terroirs, this grape variety offers great aromatic finesse.

As for white varieties, Vermentinu (also known as Vermentino or Rolle) reigns supreme throughout the island. Other varieties such as Muscat (AOP Muscat du Cap Corse), Ugni blanc, and Bianco Gentile are also present, along with many other indigenous grape varieties used in small quantities.

Vermentinu produces wines expressing minerality, floral notes, as well as a lovely fruitiness on the palate. On Corsican terroirs, this grape variety achieves a particularly refined character. Special mention for the delicious white wines from the AOP Patrimonio made from this variety !

Bianco Gentile is also an interesting grape variety, offering flavors of pear, apple, and sometimes peach on the palate, delivering beautiful freshness and a pleasant sweetness. Like Vermentino, a lovely minerality and floral notes may also emerge (jasmine, orange blossom, etc.), adding an elegant aromatic dimension. A grape variety that perfectly reflects the unique character of Corsican wines!

Finally, the delicious Muscat is used to produce the sweet wines of AOP Muscat du Cap Corse. Exotic aromas of mango, pineapple, and lychee, floral notes, gentle spices, and once again, minerality, are all present during tasting.Don’t hesitate to open a bottle made from this delicious grape variety—an explosion of flavors is guaranteed!

As you can see, Corsica boasts a myriad of indigenous grape varieties. So, don’t hesitate to discover them by traveling from estate to estate and from cuvée to cuvée! Some Corsican winemakers, such as Domaine Abbatucci, even have a true conservatory of local varieties!

Corsican wines

Corsican wines, especially the reds, have won the hearts of wine enthusiasts in France and beyond. The shift in viticulture towards organic practices has also marked recent decades, reflecting a commitment to respecting the environment and producing quality wines.

Red wines, for example, are distinguished by fruity notes and supple tannins.

Corsican white wines, mainly made from the Vermentinu grape variety, offer both floral and citrus notes on the nose and palate, while rosé wines, which are increasingly popular, appeal with their freshness and fruitiness.

Furthermore, organic wine cuvées are gaining popularity on the island, meeting a growing demand for environmentally friendly products. The Yves Leccia estate, Clos Canarelli estate, and Clos Venturi, for example, are committed to producing high-quality wine by following organic farming principles.

Depending on the grape varieties, terroirs, and the quality of the plant material, the wines produced can vary greatly from one estate to another.Here are, however, a few general ideas to keep in mind.

Wines made from Niellucciu generally produce intense, distinguished cuvées, rather tannic and capable of excellent aging.

Bottles made from Sciaccarellu offer wines with a paler color, featuring spicy aromas and delicate tannins. When cultivated with appropriate yields and on suitable terroirs, the cuvées produced display great finesse.

Corsican rosé wine is generally produced from one or both of these grape varieties. The winemakers’ aim is to offer cuvées that are fresh, mineral, and pleasurable. However, be aware that Corsican rosé often expresses more aromatic ambition than, for example, those from Côtes-de-Provence.

Finally, although many indigenous varieties are planted here, the overwhelming majority of white wines are made from the Vermentinu grape variety. This type of wine offers beautiful freshness, minerality, and an attractive aromatic profile. The color is often pale yellow, and the nose reveals aromas of white-fleshed fruits, citrus, and flowers. On the palate, the wine is lively and balanced, with saline notes and a lovely acidity, making it ideal to pair with fish and seafood.

Corsican appellations

Wines from Corsica have several controlled designation of origin labels (AOC or AOP), each corresponding to a specific geographical area with its own characteristics in terms of climate, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques.Here is a summary of the main AOCs that you absolutely must explore!

AOC Corse (Regional AOP)

This AOP covers a large part of the Corsican territory and includes several sub-regions. It produces a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines, with typically local grape varieties such as Niellucciu and Vermentinu.

The wines are often light and fruity, with good minerality, reflecting the island’s soils and its Mediterranean climate.

AOC Ajaccio

The Ajaccio AOP is located in the west of the island, around the city of Ajaccio, and benefits from a warm and sunny climate.

Red and rosé wines here are mainly made from Sciaccarellu, while Vermentinu is used for the whites, bringing freshness and notes of white-fleshed fruits.

AOC Calvi

Located in the Balagne region, in the northwest of Corsica, this AOP produces wines influenced by the proximity of the sea and the surrounding mountains.

The reds and rosés are based on Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu, often quite powerful and spicy. The whites, made from Vermentinu, are floral and mineral.

AOC Figari

Figari is one of the oldest wine regions in Corsica, located in the south of the island. The climate is dry and very sunny.

Red wines, often powerful and full-bodied, are mainly produced from Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu grapes. Vermentinu is used for the whites, bringing freshness and a complex aromatic profile.

AOC Patrimonio

Located in the north of Corsica, around the town of Saint-Florent, this AOC is renowned for its high-quality red, white, and rosé wines.

The reds are mainly made from Niellucciu, resulting in powerful and structured bottles. Vermentinu cuvées are renowned for their finesse, while the rosés are elegant and fruity.

AOC Corse Sartène

This appellation covers the vineyards around the town of Sartène, in the southwest of Corsica. The climate is hot and dry, with a strong maritime influence.

The reds are mainly made from Sciaccarellu, often elegant and spicy, while the whites are produced with Vermentinu, resulting in fresh and aromatic nectars.

AOC Corse Porto Vecchio

Located in the southeast of the island, this AOC produces wines that benefit from significant sunshine.

The reds and rosés are often made from Sciaccarellu and Niellucciu, offering fruity and supple cuvées. The white, made from Vermentinu, is fresh and fragrant.

AOC Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse

This AOC covers the vineyards of Cap Corse, a mountainous and wild region in the north of the island.The vines benefit from significant sunshine and a maritime influence.

Sciaccarellu and Niellucciu are predominant for red and rosé wines, while white wine is made from Vermentinu, offering pronounced aromatics and great freshness.

AOC Muscat du Cap Corse

This appellation is reserved for the production of naturally sweet wines, made from Muscat à petits grains, in the Cap Corse region.

The Muscat du Cap Corse is a sweet white wine, with intense notes of exotic fruits, citrus, and honey, featuring a beautiful acidity that balances its sweetness.

IGP Île de Beauté

The IGP Île de Beauté covers the whole of Corsica, offering great flexibility in vineyard locations.It thus makes it possible to showcase cuvées from numerous micro-regions of the island without being limited to the strict boundaries of the AOC zones.

Unlike AOPs, this Protected Geographical Indication allows for a greater variety of grape varieties, including international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, in addition to traditional varieties.

This flexibility enables winemakers to experiment with different blends and styles, tailored to consumer preferences.

The IGP Île de Beauté allows for the production of red, rosé, and white wines. However, the majority of wines under this IGP are rosés and reds, which are often lighter and fruitier than those from the AOC, although some reds can also be powerful and structured.

The wines from this IGP are often more affordable in terms of price and represent an excellent introduction to Corsican cuvées for those wishing to discover the island’s terroir.

In summary, each Corsican AOC has its own identity, directly influenced by the Mediterranean climate, the island’s geography, and local grape varieties. These specificities create a range of unique wines that reflect the Corsican terroir.

Corsican Terroirs

The soils of Corsica are highly diverse. You will find granite, schist, and clay-limestone terroirs. Moreover, the vines often benefit from maritime influence and sometimes from a certain altitude, allowing the wines produced to retain freshness.

It is also worth noting that the Corsican climate is particularly well-suited to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Thus, many estates such as Yves Leccia, Clos Canarelli, Domaine Abbattucci, and Domaine Giudicelli are certified as such.

Visiting the local vineyards offers a unique experience, combining breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a variety of tastings that allow you to discover the richness and great diversity of the region’s wines.

So, whether you wish to taste powerful red wines or smooth ones, aromatic whites, or refreshing rosés, Corsica will satisfy your palate. Set off to discover this delightful yet little-known wine region!

Delivery and Pricing

The prices of Corsican wines vary depending on the estates and appellations. Prestigious châteaux and estates, such as Yves Leccia, may offer cuvées at higher prices, reflecting their quality and rarity. Other equally fascinating estates offer bottles at accessible prices, allowing a wide audience to discover the richness of the island’s wines.

To help you make your choice and select the best possible bottles, feel free to rely on all the information provided on our site or consult reputable specialized guides, such as the RVF (Revue du Vin de France).

We also offer a variety of delivery options so you can find the solution best suited to your needs.

Dare to try Corsica!

As you can see, winemaking in Corsica is a celebration of terroirs and traditions. Each bottle tells a story, each cuvée is a discovery, and every sip brings us a little closer to beautiful sun-drenched landscapes. Whether through a tasting of the great wines of Patrimonio or an IGP wine, the richness of the local cuvées is sure to amaze you!