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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 vineyard is full of surprises. Starting from the south of the island with its AOP Figari and Porto-Vecchio, passing through the famous Patrimonio, and reaching all the way north to the AOP Muscat du Cap Corse, the local wines instantly transport us to the sunshine !
Viticulture in Corsica dates back 2,500 years. It was introduced by the Greeks and later developed by the Romans.
Under Genoese rule (from the 13th to the 18th century), wine production intensified with the introduction of many 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 AOC in the 1970s.
Today, Corsican wines are recognized for their quality, highlighting native grape varieties and increasingly environmentally friendly practices.
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 (AOP Patrimonio and AOP Calvi in particular), as well as Sciaccarellu (or Sciacarello), which dominates the south-western part (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 note may also be present 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 called 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, as well as 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 of AOP Patrimonio made from this variety !
Bianco Gentile is also an interesting grape variety, allowing the expression of pear, apple, and sometimes peach aromas on the palate, offering great freshness and a pleasant sweetness. Like Vermentino, a beautiful minerality and floral notes may also appear (jasmine, orange blossom, etc.), adding an elegant aromatic dimension. A grape variety that wonderfully reflects the typical character of Corsican wines!
Finally, the delicious Muscat is used to produce the sweet wines of the AOP Muscat du Cap Corse. Exotic aromas of mango, pineapple, and lychee, floral notes, mild spices, and, once again, minerality, are all present during tasting. Don’t hesitate to open a bottle made from this delicious grape variety, it’s a guaranteed explosion of flavors !
As you will have understood, Corsica has 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 the Abbatucci estate, even have a true conservatory of local varieties !
Corsican wines, especially the reds, have won the hearts of wine lovers in France and beyond. The transformation of viticulture towards organic practices has also marked recent decades, reflecting a desire to respect the environment and produce quality wines.
The reds, for example, stand out for their fruity notes and supple tannins.
Corsican white wines, mainly made from the Vermentinu grape variety, offer both on the nose and palate floral and citrus notes, while rosé wines, which are becoming 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, and also 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. Nevertheless, here are 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 and spicy aromas, as well as 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’ goal here is to offer cuvées focused on freshness, minerality, and enjoyment. However, be aware that Corsican rosé often expresses more aromatic ambition than, for example, that of Côtes-de-Provence.
Finally, and 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 a lovely 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 beautiful acidity, making it ideal to pair with fish and seafood.
Corsican wines have several controlled designation of origin (AOC or AOP), each corresponding to a specific geographical area with unique characteristics in terms of climate, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques.Here is a summary of the main AOCs that you should explore!
This PDO 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.
The Ajaccio PDO 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 are mainly made from Sciaccarellu, while Vermentinu is used for the white, bringing freshness and notes of white-fleshed fruits.
Located in the Balagne region, in the northwest of Corsica, this PDO 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.
Corse 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. Vermentinu is used for the whites, bringing freshness and a complex aromatic profile.
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. The Vermentinu cuvées are renowned for their finesse, while the rosés are elegant and fruity.
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 based on Sciaccarellu, often elegant and spicy, while the whites are produced with Vermentinu, resulting in fresh and aromatic nectars.
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.
This AOC covers the vineyards of Cap Corse, a mountainous and wild region in the north of the island.The vineyards benefit from significant sunshine and a maritime influence.
Sciaccarellu and Niellucciu dominate for reds and rosés, while the white wine is made from Vermentinu, with pronounced aromatics and great freshness.
This appellation is reserved for the production of natural 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, with a beautiful acidity that balances its sweetness.
The IGP Île de Beauté covers the whole of Corsica, offering great flexibility in the location of vineyards. It thus allows the promotion of cuvées from many micro-regions of the island without being limited to the strict areas of the AOC.
Unlike AOPs, this Protected Geographical Indication allows a greater variety of grape varieties, including international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, in addition to traditional varieties.
This flexibility allows winemakers to experiment with various blends and styles, tailored to consumer preferences.
The IGP Île de Beauté allows the production of red, rosé, and white wines.The majority of wines under this IGP, however, are rosés and reds, 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 geography, and the local grape varieties. These specificities create a range of unique wines, reflecting the Corsican terroir.
The soils of Corsica are very diverse. Thus, there are granitic, schist, or even clay-limestone terroirs. Moreover, the vineyards often benefit from maritime influence and sometimes from a certain altitude, allowing the wines produced to retain freshness.
It should also be noted that the Corsican climate is particularly well-suited to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Thus, many estates such as Yes Leccia, Clos Canarelli, and Domaine Abbattucci are certified accordingly.
Visiting the local vineyards offers a unique experience, combining breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and varied tastings that allow you to discover the richness and great diversity of the region's wine production.
Thus, whether you wish to enjoy powerful red wines or smooth ones, aromatic whites or refreshing rosés, Corsica will satisfy your palate. Set off to discover this little-known wine treasure!
The prices of Corsican wines vary depending on the estates and appellations. The major châteaux and estates, such as Yves Leccia, may offer cuvées at higher prices, reflecting their quality and rarity. Other equally exciting estates offer bottles at affordable prices, allowing a wide audience to discover the richness of the island's wines.
To guide you in your choice and help you select the best possible bottles, feel free to rely on all the information provided on our site or take a look at high-quality specialized guides, such as the RVF (Revue du Vin de France).
We also offer you a variety of delivery methods so that you can find the solution best suited to your needs.
As you will have understood, viticulture in Corsica is a celebration of terroirs and traditions. Each bottle tells a story, each cuvée is a discovery, and each 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!
Discover the Sangiovese grape variety (also known as Nielluccio). History, terroirs, and wine styles are on the agenda. Enjoy your reading!
Discover the Sangiovese grape variety (also known as Nielluccio). History, terroirs, and wine styles are on the agenda. Enjoy your reading!
Découvrez le cépage Rolle, aussi appelé Vermentino. Délicieuse variété méditerranéenne aux arômes floraux et donnant des vins frais et aromatiques.
Découvrez le cépage Rolle, aussi appelé Vermentino. Délicieuse variété méditerranéenne aux arômes floraux et donnant des vins frais et aromatiques.
