Corse

Corsica is home to some of France’s most distinctive vineyards, a veritable amphitheater of vines facing the sea. The vineyard, covering approximately 5,800 to 6,100 hectares, stretches along the coastline and rests on a mosaic of terroirs—granite, schist, and limestone—bathed in a bright and breezy Mediterranean climate. There are nearly 120 independent estates, along with several cooperatives and SICA groups, bringing together approximately 450 producers. Production is predominantly divided among rosés (70%), followed by reds (20%) and whites (10%), a signature that reflects the vineyard’s Mediterranean identity. The island is distinguished by a remarkable diversity of grape varieties. For reds, Nielluccio and Sciaccarello dominate, accompanied by Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Aleatico. For whites, Vermentino reigns supreme, complemented by Muscat à Petits Grains, Ugni Blanc, Biancu Gentile, and Malvasia. This richness allows for a wide range of wines: structured or more supple reds depending on the region, bright and aromatic rosés, salty and expressive whites, as well as iconic natural sweet wines. The Corsican wine region boasts nine AOCs—Ajaccio, Patrimonio, Calvi, Figari, Porto Vecchio, Sartène, Coteaux du Cap Corse, Muscat du Cap Corse, and Vin de Corse—in addition to the Île de Beauté IGP. These appellations reflect the diversity of the island’s microclimates and landscapes. Today, Corsica is experiencing a true renaissance: the promotion of native grape varieties, plot-by-plot cultivation, the rise of organic farming, and the assertion of a strong identity, all of which make the island one of the most dynamic and exciting wine regions in the Mediterranean.