Corsica

Overview

Rising from the turquoise Mediterranean, Corsica is a island of dramatic contrasts. Snow-capped mountains descend within sight of the sea, and vineyards cling to steep granite slopes bathed in intense southern sun. This isolation has preserved a unique viticultural identity that blends Italian heritage with French winemaking.

Corsican wine culture was shaped by centuries of Genoese rule, leaving behind native varieties found almost nowhere else. Today, a new generation of vignerons is championing these indigenous grapes, crafting wines that express the island's wild landscapes and maritime influence.

From the citrus-scented whites of Patrimonio to the elegant, herb-infused reds of Figari, Corsican wines are unmistakably Mediterranean yet utterly singular. The island's nine AOC zones each capture a different facet of its complex terroir.

Key Varietals

• NiellucciuCorsica's answer to Sangiovese, producing structured, aromatic reds with red cherry, herbs, and saline minerality.
• SciaccarelluA delicate, fragrant red grape yielding wines of wild strawberry, spice, and silky texture.
• VermentinoKnown locally as Malvoisie de Corse, it produces crisp, saline whites with citrus, white flowers, and almond notes.
• Bianco GentileA rare, revived white variety offering aromatic complexity, waxy texture, and notes of honey and citrus.