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Corsica, land of exception

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 to reach the very north at 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. It 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 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 AOCs in the 1970s.

Today, Corsican wines are recognized for their quality, highlighting native 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 the Niellucciu (or Sangiovese), mainly planted in the north (AOP Patrimonio and AOP Calvi in particular), as well as the Sciaccarellu (or Sciacarello), dominating the southwest part (AOP Ajaccio, AOP Sartène, AOP Figari etc.).

The 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 side can also appear in the wines during their youth.

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

On the white varieties side, the Vermentinu (also called Vermentino or Rolle) is king 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, and a lovely fruitiness on the palate. In the Corsican terroirs, the grape variety reaches a particular refinement. 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 a beautiful freshness and a pleasant sweetness. Like Vermentino, a beautiful minerality and floral notes can also appear (jasmine, orange blossom, etc.), adding an elegant aromatic dimension. A grape variety wonderfully reflecting the typicity 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, sweet spices, and, once again, minerality, are on the tasting agenda. Do not 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. Do not hesitate to discover them by traveling from domain to domain and from cuvée to cuvée ! Some Corsican winemakers, like the Abbatucci estate, even have a true conservatory of local varieties !

 

Corsican wines

Corsican wines, especially the reds, have managed to win the hearts of wine enthusiasts in France and beyond. The shift in viticulture towards organic practices has also marked the recent decades, reflecting a desire to respect the environment and produce quality wines.

The reds, for example, are distinguished by fruity notes and smooth tannins.

The white wines of Corsica, mainly made from the Vermentinu grape variety, offer floral and citrus notes both on the nose and palate, while the rosé wines, increasingly popular, charm with their freshness and fruitiness.

Furthermore, organic wine vintages are gaining popularity on the island, meeting a growing demand for environmentally friendly products. The Yves Leccia estate, the 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, the terroirs, and the quality of the plant material, the wines produced can be very different from one estate to another. Here are nevertheless some general ideas to keep in mind.

Wines made from Niellucciu generally produce intense, racy, rather tannic cuvées capable of very good aging.

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

Corsican rosé wine is generally produced from one or both of these latter grape varieties. The aim of the winemakers here is to offer cuvées focused on freshness, minerality, and pleasure. However, be aware that Corsican rosé often expresses more aromatic ambition than that of Côtes-de-Provence, for example.

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 a beautiful freshness, minerality, and a lovely 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, balanced, with saline notes and a nice acidity, ideal for pairing with fish and seafood.

 

The Corsican appellations

The wines of Corsica have several controlled designations of origin (AOC or AOP), each corresponding to a specific geographical area with particularities in terms of climate, varieties, and winemaking techniques.Here is a summary of the main AOCs that you must explore!

 

AOC Corse (regional AOP)

This AOP covers a large part of the Corsican territory and includes several sub-regions. It produces a varied 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 AOP Ajaccio 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 white, 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, in 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. Vermentinu is used for whites, bringing freshness and a complex aroma.

 

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, producing powerful and structured bottles. Vermentinu vintages are known for their finesse, and 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 based on Sciaccarellu, often elegant and spicy, while the whites are produced with Vermentinu, giving 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 sunlight and a marine influence. 

The Sciaccarellu and Niellucciu dominate for reds and rosés, while the white wine is made from Vermentinu, with marked aromatics and great freshness.

 

AOC Muscat du Cap Corse

This appellation is reserved for the production of naturally sweet wines, made from Muscat with small berries, 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.

 

IGP Île de Beauté

The IGP Île de Beauté covers the whole of Corsica, offering great flexibility in terms of vineyard location.It thus allows for the showcasing of wines from numerous micro-regions of the island without being limited to the strict AOC zones.

Unlike AOP, this Protected Geographical Indication permits 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 diverse 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, often lighter and fruitier than those from 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 who wish 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 Corsican terroirs

The soils of Corsica are very diverse. Thus, we find granite, schist, or even clay-limestone terroirs. Moreover, the vines often benefit from the 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 for organic and biodynamic viticulture. Thus, many estates like Yves Leccia, Clos Canarelli, Domaine Abbattucci, and Domaine Giudicelli are certified in this regard.

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 wines.

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

 

Delivery and pricing

The prices of Corsican wines vary depending on the properties and appellations. Renowned châteaux and estates like Yves Leccia may offer vintages 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 select the best possible bottles, feel free to rely on all the information provided on our site or take a look at quality specialized guides, such as the RVF (Revue du Vin de France).

We also offer numerous delivery methods so that you can find the solution best suited to your needs.

 

Dare to explore Corsica!

 Viticulture in Corsica is a celebration of terroirs and traditions. Each bottle tells a story, each vintage is a discovery, and each sip brings us a little closer to beautiful sunny landscapes. Whether through a tasting of the great wines of Patrimonio or an IGP wine, the richness of the local vintages will not fail to amaze you!