📍 Corsica

Corsica is a mountainous island in the Mediterranean that belongs to France. It lies next to the Italian island of Sardinia, and the wines show it: many grapes come from Italy, and their Corsican names sound Italian. For centuries the island was under the influence of Genoa.

The main local grapes are the reds Nielluccio (related to Sangiovese) and Sciaccarello, as well as Vermentino, called Vermentinu in Corsica, and the white Biancu Gentile. Well-known names include Patrimonio, Ajaccio, Vin de Corse and Muscat du Cap Corse, as well as wines labelled “Île de Beauté” (“Isle of Beauty”).

The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers, mild winters and a sea wind. Vineyards grow on mountain slopes and near the coast, on granite, schist and limestone soils. Besides dry wines, rosés are made, very popular on the island, and sweet Muscat wines.

Corsica belongs to French wine but has an Italian character. Its wines are rarely exported and are drunk on the spot, especially in summer. Alcohol is for adults.