Corsica

The Wines of the Isle of Beauty

"Identity," "independence," "character," "irresistible" ... these qualities attributed to Corsica apply as much to the island itself as to its wines. Here lies a viticultural history that dates back nearly 2600 years, which, from Antiquity to today, has continually cultivated a distinct path, reflecting this blessed Mediterranean territory, this "Isle of Beauty" that never ceases to enchant those who set foot on it. Beautiful, Corsica is in its landscapes, in its accents, in its unique way of capturing the sea breeze and the caresses of the sun, in its indomitable culture, in its art of living, in its scents, in its flavors, and, of course, in its viticulture. Although it represents only 1% of French production today, which is largely consumed locally, it enjoys growing recognition from both enthusiasts and professionals (sommeliers, wine merchants) who praise the diversity of its terroirs, the richness of its ampelographic (the field of botany concerned with the identification and classification of grapevines) heritage, and the superb range of products it produces: reds, whites, rosés, sweet wines, all have a place in Corsica, and in most cases, they turn out to be delicious.?

To summarize Corsican viticulture in a few figures: it covers an area of just under 5800 hectares, producing a little over 375,000 hectoliters. 70% rosé, 17% red, 13% dry and sweet whites. It is divided between 9 AOPs (Corse, Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse, Corse Calvi, Corse Figari, Corse Porto-Vecchio, Corse Sartène, Muscat du Cap Corse, Ajaccio, Patrimonio) and 1 IGP, called Vin de Corse. There are a total of 293 producers, including 133 private wineries, the rest contributing to the approximately 4 cooperative cellars on the island.

From Kallisté "the most beautiful" to the first appellations?

The history of Corsican viticulture dates back to the ancient Greeks, particularly to colonists from the city of Phocaea. These settlers, who founded Massalia (Marseille) in 600 BCE, fell in love with this island they named Kallisté, "the most beautiful," and where they established the trading post of Alalia - now Aléria - in 565 BCE. Explorers, merchants, farmers, and of course winemakers, the Greeks initiated the cultivation of vines in Corsica, which continued to develop over the next 2600 years. This history has seen ups and downs over the centuries, like many French regions. The devastation of phylloxera at the end of the 19th century, followed by the dramatic consequences of the First and Second World Wars, dealt a severe blow to the island's viticulture.

It was from the 1950s and 1960s that Corsican vineyards found new momentum, thanks to a new generation of winemakers and researchers who identified the island's superb ampelographic heritage. The diversity of indigenous grape varieties, combined with the richness of its geological mosaic, constitutes a huge asset that this new generation, and those that followed, would seize upon. In 1968, Patrimonio was recognized as an appellation d'origine contr?lée, followed in 1976 by the creation of the Vin de Corse appellation.

A Magnificent Geological and Ampelographic Diversity

Corsica is a highly rugged island, a true "mountain in the sea," which until the secondary era, along with Sardinia, formed a micro-continent connected to Provence. Its highest point, Monte Cinto, rises over 2,700 meters, and its average altitude is 568 meters above sea level. From its rich geological past, Corsica has inherited a magnificent mosaic of soils, conducive to high-quality viticulture. There are two main regions: the Granitic Corsica of the West, which occupies two-thirds of the island and covers the entire high mountain range with granitic soils, and the Alpine Corsica of the East, with numerous varieties of schist in the North and East, not exceeding 1,700 meters. Thus, between granitic and volcanic soils, schist soils, sedimentary depression soils, crystalline rock soils, metamorphic rock soils, and alluvial soils, the vine has all the possible matrices, altitudes, and exposures to give its best, thanks to the perfectly regulated Mediterranean climate. Added to this is the great ampelographic diversity of the island, with no less than 33 grape varieties, most of which are indigenous. Six of them stand out and are recognized as the most widespread in Corsica: Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, Vermentinu, Aleaticu, Biancu Gentile, and Muscat à petits grains, along with Barbarossa, Carcaghjolu Neru, and Minustellu.

More Than Winemakers, Ambassadors

Since the 1960s, and especially the 1980s, Corsican winemakers have taken on the mission of defending the wines of their beloved island. More than mere producers, they are the foremost ambassadors of their territory, its rich history, and its fabulous potential. Although they benefit from the boom of tourism and local consumption, they do not hesitate to strongly promote their vintages by selling them "on the mainland" and around the world, making Corsican wines increasingly prized by both enthusiasts and professionals. More than 130 private estates - not counting those that deliver their grapes to cooperatives - strive to elevate the reputation of Corsican wines. Among the leading figures are the historic Domaine Comte Abbatucci (considered the oldest on the island), as well as Antoine Arena, Yves Leccia (Domaine E Croce), Clos Canarelli, Clos Nicrosi, Domaine d'Alzipratu, Domaine Vico, Domaine Vaccelli, Clos Columbu, Domaine San Quilico, Clos Teddi, Domaine Giudicelli, Domaine Orenga de Gaffory, Domaine , Domaine Fiumicicoli...?

While rosé production remains overwhelmingly dominant on the island, often among the producers mentioned above, the most remarkable discoveries are certainly in the reds and whites. The reds often combine power, race, elegance, and character, with great aging potential. The whites, at their best, are distinguished by a minerality and salinity that give them remarkable complexity. Not to mention the sweet wines born under the Muscat du Cap Corse appellation: yes, this Isle of Beauty is also an island of great wines, and an essential destination for all serious wine lovers.