Corsica, a vineyard treasure

Yves Leccia Domaine d'E Crose, harvested in the Patrimonio appellation

An island terroir with a thousand facetsCorsica is home to a vineyard full of characterStill too little known, Corsican wines are experiencing a real boom and reflect the personality of this terroir. between sea and mountainsCavissima reveals to you the unique character of the Isle of Beauty and its vineyards with undeniable potential!

History of the vine in Corsica

The rebirth of a historic vineyard

Remains dating back to 500 BC demonstrate the historical presence of vines in Corsica. At the end of the 19th century, the island's vineyards were not spared from... phylloxera crisis which affected the entire French wine industry. This crisis, along with the various wars, led to profound restructuring; continental grape varieties and mass production became dominant. Corsican wines were then associated with mass-market wines. poor quality And very quantitative ! 

From the 1950sSome winegrowers saved the last native vines and replanted them extensively. Going against the grain of the practices of the time, they emphasized the richness of Corsican varieties. This led to the creation of theAOC Patrimonio in 1968 and theCorsican AOC in 1976 with a percentage of island grape varieties in their specifications. Even today, winemakers are working towards the recognition of these grape varieties through tastings and the use of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). Corsican Wine Interprofessional Council is created in 1997The winegrowers then realize that in order to promote the quality of multiple terroirsUnity is strength! In just a few years, the reputation of Corsican wines has become national And internationalThe interprofessional organization's numerous actions have helped to attract new markets, increase visibility and improve the brand image of Corsican wines. 

In order to improve the visibility of Corsican wines, appellations have been created. Heritage And Ajaccio are the most common. We also find Corsica Calvi, Sartène, Figari, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica And Hillsides of Cap Corse. THE Muscat du Cap Corse is a naturally sweet wineAs for the rest, the wines are labeled with the mention “Vins de Corse”.

Today, the island represents 1 % of national production but shines throughout the world thanks to its geological advantages, its terroir, its vintages and the determination of the winemakers.

The Corsican Vineyard

Geology, grape varieties and climate: the keys to a unique terroir 

With its insular character and its 121 peaks over 2,000 metersThe Corsican terroir is marked by the influence of both the sea and the mountains. Near the coast, where the majority of the vineyards are located, the sea's influence tempers the intense heat. In the higher elevations, the vines benefit from greater rainfall and the combined presence of strong winds such as the mistral, the tramontane, and the libeccio. These winds help to limit diseases related to humidity! In both cases, the vines benefit from one of the... most beautiful sunny days in France with approximately 2,890 hours of sunshine per year. Between sunshine, rainfall, strong winds and large temperature variations, the climat Corsica is exceptional In many ways! 

At the heart of the hills lie valleys and slopes with a multitude of soils, each possessing its own geological characteristics. To the west, the soils are predominantly granitic with some alluvial deposits. In the cape, schist is prevalent alongside greenstone. Finally, to the east, sediments, fluvial alluvium, and sand are found. 

The diversity of climates and geology is accompanied by a great diversity of grape varieties. The range of grape varieties is one of the natural treasures of this unique vineyard. Indigenous varieties, once forgotten, are now being revived and brought back to the heart of the vineyard and the wines. Thus, no fewer than 33 grape varieties make up the intrinsic identity of Corsica. This mosaic of grape varieties includes a majority of niellucciu, sciaccarellu And vermentinu. 

Aware of the treasures hidden in the Corsican vineyards, the winemakers are adopting a environmentally friendly viticultureThe entire vineyard of Heritage is organic or in conversion. The appellation has even officially banned the use of glyphosate and other synthetic chemical herbicides in its specifications. This is a world first! Across the rest of Corsica, whether organic or biodynamic, more and more producers are converting and having their wines certified. 26 % surfaces are organic or in conversion, that is more than 80 domains. 

Corsican winemakers and their wines 

Men and wines of character

Corsican wines have a lot of personality and reflect the qualities of their unique island terroir. Corsica produces a majority of rosés (56 % of production). The red (28 %) and the white (15 %occupy second and third place. Muscat du Cap Corse represents 1 % of production. 

Upon tasting, the rosés are costs And gourmandsDesigned to be consumed quickly, they are perfect for summer aperitifs and barbecues. 

For a southern vineyard, the white wines are often impressively freshnessDelicate and full of finesseThe most beautiful bottles combine the roundness fruits at a beautiful mineralityThey can be enjoyed with poultry or fish such as langoustines, a Corsican bouillabaisse (aziminu) or even sheep's cheeses.

Red wines are renowned for their aging potential. They are often complexesrich in red berries, in notes of flowers and offer a beautiful complexityThey accompany veal stews (veal stew with olives), red meats or even stuffed eggplants Provençal style. 

 Among the 135 Corsican estatesHere are some of the best Corsican producers that Cavissima has truly fallen in love with: 

• THE Clos Canarelli represents the revival of the Corsican vineyard thanks to the work of Yves Canarelli. He began making wine in a cooperative cellar and gained recognition by reviving indigenous grape varieties. Gradually, he became independent, converting his vineyard into biodynamics and becomes the iconic winemaker from southern Corsica. At the pinnacle of Corsican wines, the vintages of domaine testify with refinement And accuracy the full potential of the terroir. 

• Yves Leccia is a domaine A family-run estate of about fifteen hectares on the unique terroirs of Partinelone and E Croce! Between modernity And traditionYves and his wife Sandrine have revived the typical Corsican grape varieties. They are committed to banning herbicides and converting the vineyard to organicIt's a success: the wines are of real jewels lots of finesse and freshness Enjoy it now or forget about it in the cellar!

• THE Domaine Vico was created at the beginning of the 20th century on a terroir atypical The mountains of central Corsica. The vineyards are exposed to strong winds and reach altitudes of up to 2,000 meters. On these steep terraces, exceptional wines are produced. freshness remarkable and at very stylish. 

• At the crossroads of Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi, lies the Clos Venturi. This domaine relatively recent, it comes from the detachment of the best plots of land from Domaine VicoUse of old grape varieties and native varieties, plot selections and certification in biodynamics allow the production of vintages of high level, in constant progression. 

• Jean-Charles Abbatucci took up the torch of domaine family who celebrated their 100 years of existence. The winemaker decided to enhance the local grape varieties and defend the unique character of Corsican terroirs. He vinifies cuvées prodigious, in biodynamics and outside the appellation codes. Today, the vintages in Vin de France They are highly regarded and sought after. Their perfect balance and their findisputable insignia have won over the biggest wine lovers in France and far beyond!

The historic vineyard of Corsica The island has experienced a true renaissance in recent years. The unique characteristics of the island's terroir are being showcased by this new generation of passionate winemakers. Indigenous grape varieties are gradually regaining their prominence, producing wines with a distinctive character. We invite you to discover, or rediscover, this little-known vineyard, which possesses undeniable potential.