The Corsican vineyard: the most exotic of vineyards

The Corsican vineyard appears as the most exotic and southernmost of the French vineyards. A mountain in the Mediterranean, the Island of Beauty offers a kaleidoscope of natural environments that successively define the originality and personality of its wines. Corsica boasts a multitude of climatic contrasts, geological paradoxes, and ampelographic treasures.

An Island of Beauty, a strong identity

Corsica is a mountain buffeted by the sea, whose rocky framework combines microclimates, breaks up the landscapes, structures the coastline, roots the scrubland, and generates a multitude of terroirs where native grape varieties thrive. Its vineyard features nine major Protected Designation of Origin regions and has an "IGP Île de Beauté" that covers all the island's vineyard areas.

Viticulture is increasingly oriented towards organic or biodynamic farming methods. Currently, more than eighty estates are certified AB or in the process of converting to organic farming. The diversity of terroirs offers Vermentinu, Sciaccarellu, and Niellucciu favourable conditions for the growth and maturity of their berries.

Numerous appellations including nine PDO

Corsica comprises nine Protected Designations of Origin, including one regional appellation, PDO Corse or Vin de Corse: two "Cru" type appellations: PDO Patrimonio and PDO Ajaccio.

Five complementary geographical denominations: "Village" PDO Corse or Vin de Corse, the PDO Corse Porto-Vecchio, PDO Corse Figari, PDO Corse Sartène, PDO Corse Calvi, and PDO Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse. Plus a Vin Doux Naturel appellation: PDO Muscat du Cap Corse bringing together the terroirs of Patrimonio and those of Cap Corse.

In addition to these nine PDOs, Corsica holds an IGP "Île de Beauté" and some VSIGs (Vin Sans Indication Géographique). The IGP Île de Beauté covers all the island's vineyard areas.