Discover the most popular Corsican wines!

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean, renowned for its fine wines and its vineyards. Corsican wines come mainly from the areas around Calvi, Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio, and they are celebrated for their quality and individuality. They are also known for their longevity: some Corsican wines can keep improving for several decades.

Wine culture in Corsica

Winemaking in Corsica is a centuries-old tradition dating back to the time when Greek settlers from Phocaea planted the first vines on the island. Today, viticulture is still an important activity on the island, and Corsican wines enjoy a worldwide reputation. Corsican reds are especially prized for their distinctive, fruity and spicy character. Corsican white wine is also very popular and is often compared with the best whites of the South of France. Corsican wines are generally made from local grape varieties such as Nielluccio, Sciacarello and Vermentino, which give them their distinctive character and typical flavour.

Book an activity in Alsace

All activities

via GetYourGuideGuided tours in AlsacePrices and dates on the partner siteBookvia GetYourGuideDay trips from StrasbourgPrices and dates on the partner siteBook

Partner links: if you book through these links, Alsace Voyage earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

The history of Corsican wine

The history of wine in Corsica is long and rich, going back to antiquity, when Greek settlers from Phocaea brought the vine to the island. Corsica has always been a wine-producing land, blessed with an ideal Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soils. Corsican wines are known for their distinctive, fruity and spicy character and are enjoyed all over the world. Corsica’s vineyards lie mainly in the mountainous areas of the centre and south of the island. Most of the wine produced in Corsica is red, but there are also some whites and rosés. The most popular Corsican wines are made from Nielluccio, Sciacarello and Vermentino.

Read nextAlsatian bredele

The different types of Corsican wine

Corsican wines are renowned for their quality and individuality. They are made from grapes grown on the “Island of Beauty” and are known for their unique character. The most popular Corsican wines are Vermentino, Nielluccio and Biancu Gentile.

Vermentino is a dry, fruity white wine with aromas of lemon, peach and mint. It is made from the Vermentino grape, which is grown in the south-east of Corsica. Nielluccio is a full-bodied red wine with aromas of plum, blackcurrant and tobacco. It is made from the Nielluccio grape, which is grown in the north-west of the island. Biancu Gentile is a dry, aromatic white wine with aromas of apple, pear and honey. It is made from the Biancu Gentile grape, which is grown in the south-west of Corsica.

Where to find the best Corsican wines

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean, known for its quality wines. Corsican wines are made from indigenous grape varieties such as Nielluccio, Sciacarello and Vermentino. They have a unique taste because they are made using traditional methods. Most of the island’s vineyards are in mountainous areas, where the grapes benefit from a hot, dry climate. The poor, rocky soils of the Corsican terroir are another important factor in the quality of the island’s wines.

Corsican wines are known for their powerful, fruity character. Nielluccio, the main grape used for red wine in Corsica, gives structured wines with intense black-fruit aromas and spicy notes. Sciacarello, another indigenous red grape used for Corsican red wine, produces lighter but equally aromatic wines, with notes of red and black fruit. Vermentino, an indigenous white grape, is used to make dry, aromatic white wines with floral and mineral notes.

Corsican wines are available in major French supermarkets and wine merchants, as well as in specialist wine shops. You can also buy directly from producers on the island. If you want to taste the best Corsican wines, head to a specialist restaurant or a wine bar offering a selection of wines from the Corsican terroir.

The most famous Corsican wines

Corsican wines are famous worldwide for their quality. The island’s vineyards produce red, white and rosé wines that are enjoyed by wine lovers all over the world. Corsican wines are also known for their longevity and can improve for many years.

Corsican reds are generally made from the Niellucciu grape. They are usually fruity, with aromas of cherry and plum. They also have a pleasant acidity, which makes them ideal with dishes in sauce. Corsican red wines generally have a deep ruby colour.

Corsican whites are generally made from the Vermentino grape. They are usually light and fruity, with aromas of peach and lemon. They also have a pleasant acidity, which makes them ideal with dishes in sauce. Corsican white wines generally have a pale yellow colour.

Corsican rosés are generally made from the Niellucciu grape. They are usually fruity, with aromas of cherry and raspberry. They also have a pleasant acidity, which makes them ideal with dishes in sauce. Corsican rosé wines generally have a pale pink colour.

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean, renowned for its wines. The most popular Corsican wines are Vermentino, Nielluccio and Biancu Gentile, all appreciated for their unique character and quality.

FAQ

1. What are the most popular Corsican wines?

The most popular Corsican wines are Vermentino, Nielluccio and Biancu Gentile.

2. What are the characteristics of the most popular Corsican wines?

The most popular Corsican wines have a lovely bright colour, an intense, fruity nose and a pleasant acidity on the palate.

3. Where can I find the most popular Corsican wines?

You will find the most popular Corsican wines in the cellars along the Corsican Wine Route, or in certain restaurants and specialist wine merchants.

4. When should I drink the most popular Corsican wines?

The most popular Corsican wines are best enjoyed as an aperitif or with a light meal.

5. How much do the most popular Corsican wines cost?

The most popular Corsican wines cost between 10 and 20 euros.

Lucas

Hi, I’m Lucas! My heart beats for the pleasures of the table, and here in Alsace, I’m in paradise. Whether it’s a glass of Riesling shared with friends, a hearty sauerkraut dish, or a culinary adventure around a blueberry tart, I live every meal like a celebration. My goal? To make you hungry with articles that highlight our local producers, talented chefs, and delicious specialties. But beware, I don’t just eat (well, almost): I also offer itineraries to explore our vineyards and gourmet markets.

All their articlesReference profiles