Wine Lovers, These Corsican Vineyards Are Calling You!

Thanks to its stunning white sand beaches, soaring mountains, and charming little Mediterranean villages, Corsica has long been one of the best tourist places in France. But few know that Corsica produces some of the best wines on the planet. In fact, winemaking has been a part of Corsica’s culture for over 2,500 years. Vineyards are spread across the length and breadth of Corsica. A mixture of different soils, Mediterranean climate, and diverse topography makes Corsica one of the most unique regions for wine production.

Although a French island, Corsica’s wines have an Italian heritage. This gives Corsican wines distinctly different taste – it’s neither fully French nor Italian. Although traditional continental grape varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and more are grown in Corsica, the island is mainly popular for its indigenous grape varieties. The most popular local white grape variety is Vermentino, also known as Malvoisie. When it comes to red grapes, Sciacarello is the pride of Corsica; it is truly unique to the island. The other significant red grape variety is Nielluccio, identical to the Italian Sangiovese.

The best way to discover Corsica’s wines is to take a tour of its vineyards across the regions of Vin de Corse, Ajaccio, Cap Corse, and Patrimonio. These family-owned vineyards have a warm homely charm and their breathtaking locations only add to their beauty. Here are our recommendations to get you planning –

Situated in the rugged costal Cap Corse region, Domaine Pieretti has belonged to the Pieretti family for generations. This seaside vineyard is now run by the fifth-generation winemaker Lina Venturi-Pieretti. After a devastating fire in 1989 that destroyed much of the vineyard, she completely transformed this 10-hectare vineyard and built a modern wine cellar overlooking the sea.

Producing over 45,000 bottles a year, this vineyard offers a fine range of white and red wines that are known to have a rich and well-balanced taste. The minerality of the Domaine Pieretti’s rocky schist soil makes their Vermentinu (also known as Vermentino), a fresh and well-structured white wine, particularly unique. A Murteta, a deliciously dense red wine derived from the traditional Cap Corse variety Alicante, is another must try at this vineyard!

Domaine Pieretti is open to the public from April to October from 9.30am to 12pm and from 2.30pm to 6pm and only by appointment in the winter months.

Domaine de Torraccia was first planted 45 years ago by Chritian Imbert, one of Corsica’s most famous winemakers. Imbert has now passed on his responsibilities to his son Marc. Stretching on more than 43 hectares, this vineyard is beautifully situated between the sea and mountains near Porto Vecchio. Domaine de Torraccia’s Oriou wines are known to age fantastically, a rarity among Corsican wines that are not known to age gracefully.

Domaine de Torraccia’s tasting room is open to public from Monday to Saturday between 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm.

Domaine Gentile was established by passionate winemaker Dominique Gentile and his wife Viviane in 1970. Coming from a family of winemakers, both set up this winery with the aim of celebrating the local Corsican variety of wines. Today, Domaine Gentile is renowned for its local Vermentinu and Neiulluccio range of wines. It also boasts of a large wine cellar, a rarity among local vineyards as a majority of winemakers sell off most of their wines during the summer. At Domaine Gentile, you can relish robust local wines as well as learn about the island’s history and the art of wine-making from its friendly owners.

Domaine Gentile’s tasting room is open to public from Monday to Friday between 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm.

Spread over 82 hectares, Domaine Vico is set in the heart of Corsica overlooking the Golo Valley. Originally planted by Jean Vico in 1901, the Venturi family has been running this vineyard since 1987. Domaine Vico is known for the production of complex local wines -Sciacarello, Vermentino, and Nielluccio. Apart from these, you can get your hands on some of the vintage wines like Syrah and Grenache. Thanks to its industrial method of production, authentic Corsican wines produced here are less expensive compared to the other vineyards. While you are here, you cannot miss trying out Domaine Vico’s iconic red and white range of Clos Venturi known their purity, freshness and nuanced fruits. Made from 40-year-old Vermentinu wines, the white Clos Venturi can only be truly relished here. This rare wine is laden with minerals and has ripe peach and apricot flavors.

Domaine Vico is open to public from June through August, Monday to Saturday between 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm. Book an appointment to visit on Sundays and between September to May.

Located in the Patrimonio region in Corsica, Domaine Arena is spread over 13 hectares of clay-limestone rich land. The Arena family is one of the first winemakers in Corsica who replanted indigenous Corsican grapes to promote the island’s viticulture. Well known for their red and white wines, Domaine Arena has developed a third range of red wine Morta Maio, named after the hamlet the winery is located in.

To visit, call in advance for an appointment.

So, wine lovers,  its high time you head to Corsica to indulge in some fine wines and soak in the island’s spectacular natural beauty!

So book your flights on EMI and explore the magic of Corsican Vineyards.