Corsican Wines

If Corsica is a dream destination for holidays, it’s also a region with a winemaking tradition spanning millennia. Like its people, Corsica produces sincere, authentic wines full of character! Follow our guide and discover everything you need to know about Corsican wines through its history, terroir, and grape varieties.

The History of Corsican Wines

Like Provence, Corsica has been producing wine for nearly 2,600 years, beginning with the arrival of the Phocaeans, who founded the trading post of Alalia and began cultivating vines. Over time, this island vineyard continued to flourish alongside olive, chestnut, and citrus trees. Under Greek, Roman, Tuscan, and Genoese rule, Corsica became French in 1789, with each influence shaping the island’s winemaking practices and wine identity.

After WWII, Corsica initially focused on mass production with lower quality, but since the creation of the AOC Patrimonio, the region has embraced high-quality winemaking. Today, Corsica proudly highlights its native grape varieties, bringing pleasure to wine enthusiasts eager for discovery.

The Climate and Terroir of Corsica’s Vineyards

Corsica is a true "mountain in the sea," with a rugged and varied topography. Depending on altitude and orientation, there are differences in sun exposure, strong winds, and weather conditions (temperature, rain, and snow). Despite the varied terrain, the climate is broadly Mediterranean and among the sunniest in France.

Corsica’s soils vary widely across the island:

• South and West: Primarily granite soils, from Calvi to Sartène.
• Northeast (Cap Corse): Predominantly schist soils.
• East Coast: Sedimentary and marl-sand alluvial soils.
• Patrimonio: Clay-limestone soils.

These differences in landscape, exposure, and soil strongly impact the appellations. Each vineyard is unique, and each wine offers a distinct expression of a grape or blend.

The Different Appellations of Corsica

To best represent Corsica’s diverse climates and terroirs, the island has one regional appellation, AOC Corse, along with five village appellations in white, red, and rosé:

• Corse Porto-Vecchio
• Corse Figari
• Corse Sartène
• Corse Calvi
• Corse Côteaux du Cap Corse

Corsica also has two distinct crus at the top of the appellation hierarchy:

• AOC Ajaccio (white, red, and rosé)
• AOC Patrimonio (white, red, and rosé)

Additionally, the region produces a unique sweet wine under its own appellation:

• AOC Muscat-du-cap-corse (white)

Corsica’s Iconic Grape Varieties

While Corsica produces red, rosé, and white wines from Mediterranean varieties like Grenache and Syrah, or international ones like Merlot and Chardonnay, the island also boasts many distinctive native grapes. The most widespread are:

Vermentinu or Vermentino

Also known as Rolle in Provence and widely grown in Italy, Vermentinu reaches its peak in Corsica. This grape offers floral, white fruit, and citrus aromas, with hawthorn and fresh almond notes, a dense, smooth texture, and balance on the palate.

Niellucciu or Nielluccio (Sangiovese in Italy)

The main red grape in Corsica, Niellucciu is complex and varies greatly based on altitude, vine orientation, soil, and climate. It can produce fresh, fruity wines with a light color or structured wines with dark fruit and maquis herb notes. In AOP Patrimonio, it often adds complexity and aging potential.

Sciaccarellu or Sciaccarello

A key grape in Corsican red and rosé wines, Sciaccarellu is light, pale, and supple. With floral, citrus, and peppery notes, it brings charm to the island’s rosés and adds softness and finesse to reds.

Food and Wine Pairings with Corsican Wines

Corsican Wines with an Appetizer

Try a local pairing with grilled figatelli on toast, served with a 100% Niellucciu AOP Patrimonio red. For a lighter starter, such as grilled prawn skewers, choose a rosé IGP Île de Beauté or an AOC Sartène rosé dominated by Sciaccarellu.

Corsican Wines with a Main Course

To pair with a Mediterranean fish like sea bream with fennel, select an AOP Patrimonio white, 100% Vermentino. For meat, accompany a wild boar stew or meat dish with an AOP Calvi red featuring Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, Minustellu, or Carcajolo.

Corsican Wines with a Dessert

For fig tart, opt for an AOP Muscat-du-cap-corse with honey, lemongrass, and citrus notes. For dark chocolate desserts, try a Corsican red liqueur wine with vanilla, prune, and orange zest aromas.

With its original grape varieties and variety of styles, discover Corsica’s vineyards. On Avenue des vins, each cuvée is carefully selected and available for home delivery, directly from the estate or château. Choose a Corsican wine or other French regions’ selections, and enjoy the best prices with home delivery!