Southern Corsica: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Southern Corsica, known as Corse-du-Sud, offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and exceptional wines. This guide will help you explore the region’s rich viticultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Towns and Villages
Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, serves as an excellent base for wine exploration. Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio are must-visit coastal towns with charming old quarters and nearby vineyards.
- Ajaccio: Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, known for its citadel and proximity to wine routes
- Porto-Vecchio: Combines beautiful beaches with easy access to inland wineries
- Bonifacio: Perched on limestone cliffs, offering stunning views and unique wine experiences
Wine Producers
Southern Corsica boasts numerous artisanal wineries and larger estates. Many offer tours and tastings, providing insight into Corsican winemaking traditions.
- Domaine de Torraccia: Organic wines near Porto-Vecchio
- Clos Canarelli: Biodynamic estate in Figari known for indigenous varieties
- Domaine de Peretti della Rocca: Historic winery in Sartène with panoramic views
Accommodations
From luxury resorts to charming bed and breakfasts, Southern Corsica offers diverse lodging options for wine tourists.
- Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle: Upscale hotel in Bonifacio with wine-focused amenities
- U Palazzu Serenu: Boutique hotel in Oletta, surrounded by vineyards
- Agriturismo A Pignata: Rural guesthouse in Levie, perfect for immersing in local wine culture
Dining
Southern Corsican cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Explore restaurants that showcase regional specialties and extensive wine lists.
- Le 20123: Michelin-starred restaurant in Ajaccio with an impressive Corsican wine selection
- A Pignata: Traditional Corsican cuisine in Levie, featuring locally-sourced ingredients
- Le Voilier: Seafood restaurant in Porto-Vecchio with panoramic views and local wines
Wine Shops & Bars
Southern Corsica offers a variety of places to sample and purchase local wines. Cave du Cardinal in Ajaccio and La Cave de Porto-Vecchio provide extensive selections of Corsican wines.
- U Stabiacciu: Wine bar in Porto-Vecchio featuring local vintages
- La Cave Impériale: Historic wine cellar in Ajaccio with guided tastings
- Chez Toinou: Charming wine bar in Bonifacio’s old town
Other Shops
While exploring Southern Corsica’s wine scene, don’t miss out on local artisanal products. Fromageries and charcuteries offer perfect pairings for your wine discoveries.
- Maison Ferrero: Gourmet shop in Ajaccio specializing in Corsican delicacies
- L’Esprit du Sud: Porto-Vecchio boutique featuring local olive oils and preserves
- A Casetta: Traditional Corsican products shop in Sartène
Attractions
Southern Corsica blends wine culture with natural beauty and historical sites. Combine winery visits with these attractions for a well-rounded experience.
- Filitosa: Prehistoric site near Propriano with ancient menhir statues
- Lavezzi Islands: Nature reserve off Bonifacio, perfect for boat trips and picnics
- Col de Bavella: Stunning mountain pass offering hiking trails and panoramic views
Events
Time your visit to coincide with wine festivals and cultural celebrations that showcase Southern Corsica’s viticultural heritage.
- Fête du Vin (Wine Festival) in Patrimonio: Annual event in July celebrating Corsican wines
- Foire du Vin d’Ajaccio: Wine fair in Ajaccio held in late November
- Journées Napoléoniennes: Historical reenactments in Ajaccio every August, often featuring local wines
Appellations
Southern Corsica boasts several AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) regions, each producing distinctive wines.
- AOC Ajaccio: Known for full-bodied reds and aromatic whites
- AOC Corse Figari: Produces elegant reds and rosés
- AOC Corse Sartène: Renowned for its robust reds and crisp whites
Grape Varieties
Southern Corsica’s unique terroir shapes its wine production. Nielluccio and Sciaccarello dominate red varieties, while Vermentino leads in whites.
- Nielluccio: Robust red, similar to Sangiovese
- Sciaccarello: Light-bodied red with spicy notes
- Vermentino: Crisp white with citrus and herbal flavors
- Barbarossa: Red variety adding complexity to blends
Main Wine Styles
Southern Corsican wines reflect the island’s rugged landscape and Mediterranean climate. Styles range from light and refreshing to bold and complex.
- Red wines: Often blends, showcasing Nielluccio’s structure and Sciaccarello’s aromatics
- Rosé wines: Pale, dry, and perfect for warm Corsican evenings
- White wines: Vermentino-based, crisp with mineral undertones
- Dessert wines: Sweet Muscat wines from the Patrimonio region
Food Specialties
Corsican cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Traditional dishes highlight fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors.
- Charcuterie: Prisuttu (dry-cured ham) and figatellu (liver sausage)
- Cheeses: Brocciu (sheep’s milk cheese) and tomme corse
- Seafood: Grilled fish and langoustines
- Chestnut specialties: Polenta and chestnut flour cakes
Drives & Walks
Explore Southern Corsica’s stunning landscapes and vineyards through scenic drives and walks. These routes offer breathtaking views and wine-tasting opportunities.
Scenic Drives
- Ajaccio to Propriano: Coastal route with stops at beachside wineries
- Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio: Southern tip tour, featuring cliff-top views and vineyard visits
Wine Walks
- Figari Wine Trail: Easy hike through vineyards with guided tastings
- Sartène Vineyard Walk: Moderate trek showcasing traditional winemaking methods
Itineraries
Plan your Southern Corsica wine adventure with these tailored itineraries. Each route combines wine experiences with local culture and natural beauty.
3-Day Wine Tasting Tour
- Day 1: Ajaccio wineries and Napoleon’s birthplace
- Day 2: Sartène region, including Domaine Saparale
- Day 3: Porto-Vecchio area, ending with sunset tasting at Clos Canarelli
Week-Long Corsican Wine and Culture Immersion
- Days 1-2: Ajaccio and surroundings
- Days 3-4: Propriano and Sartène wine regions
- Days 5-6: Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, including boat tour
- Day 7: Figari wine trail and farewell dinner in Ajaccio
Getting There & Around
Southern Corsica is accessible by air and sea. The main airport is Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, with connections to major European cities.
- By air: Flights to Ajaccio, Figari, or Porto-Vecchio airports
- By ferry: Services from mainland France and Italy to Ajaccio or Porto-Vecchio
Renting a car is the best way to explore the region’s wineries and scenic routes.
- Car rental: Available at airports and major towns
- Public transport: Limited bus services between towns
- Taxis: Available but expensive for longer journeys
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Southern Corsica for wine tourism is late spring or early autumn.
- May-June: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, vineyards in bloom
- September-October: Harvest season, wine festivals, mild temperatures
- July-August: Peak tourist season, hot weather, crowded beaches
Sustainability Efforts
Southern Corsican wineries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices.
- Organic viticulture: Many producers, like Clos Canarelli, use organic methods
- Biodynamic farming: Some wineries follow biodynamic principles
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems to reduce water usage
- Local grape varieties: Focus on indigenous grapes adapted to the climate
Language Tips
While French is the official language, knowing a few Corsican phrases can enhance your experience.
- Bonghjornu: Good morning
- Grazie: Thank you
- Salute: Cheers (when toasting)
- Vinu: Wine
Further Resources
Enhance your Southern Corsica wine journey with these helpful resources:
- Books: “Corsican Wine” by Tom Fiorina
- Websites: Vins de Corse (official wine board)
- Apps: Vivino for wine ratings and reviews
- Local guide: Consider hiring a knowledgeable wine guide for in-depth tours
