Corsican whites are increasingly gaining recognition as the island’s most sought-after wines, celebrated for their authentic character and unique expression of diverse local terroirs. Known for their aromatic complexity and freshness, they’ve successfully captured the attention of oenophiles worldwide.
The six wines I feature here were selected purely on the strength of their outstanding quality and distinctive flavour profiles, regardless of price, to showcase the pinnacle of what Corsica offers. This collection highlights a spectrum of native grape varieties and styles with three organic and three biodynamic whites, including a delicious dessert wine.
It’s merely an invitation to Corsica’s fascinating winemaking heritage, as nothing beats touring the island’s nine appellations, where every tasting is a discovery.
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1. YVES LECCIA – L’ALTRU BIANCU
L’Altru Biancu (€26) is a clean, elegant white made from Biancu Gentile, an indigenous Corsican grape producing fresh, mineral wines with notes of flower, citrus, and honey. Its vibrant character with lively acidity makes it ideally suited to be enjoyed as an aperitif or accompanied by seafood or cheese platters. Radiant and expressive, L’Altru Biancu serves as an irresistibly delicious tribute to the island’s revived native variety and complex terroir.
THE ESTATE (BIODYNAMIC)
An excellent wine address where longstanding traditions have been perfected by three generations of dedicated growers. Yves Leccia, a qualified oenologist and pioneer of Corsica’s wine industry renaissance, along with his wife Sandrine, cultivates 15 hectares of clay, limestone, and schist soils yielding premium wines recognised worldwide for their supreme quality. Founded in the revered Patrimonio appellation, the estate focuses on local varieties and minimal intervention to deliver an authentic product faithful to its heritage. Yves’ hands-on management of impeccably maintained vineyards paired with flawless cellar work ensures that every bottle delivers sophisticated flavours that captivate the most discerning palates.
Address: Lieu dit Morta Piana, 20232 Poggio d’Oletta
Tel: +33 0495307233
On site: wine tasting and shop
2. DOMAINE ANTOINE-MARIE ARENA – HAUTS DE CARCO
Representing Patrimonio, Corsica’s oldest appellation, the mouthwatering Hauts de Carco white (€36), made uniquely from Vermentinu grapes, is grown on a steep limestone ridge overlooking a stunning vineyard-carpeted valley. Crafted with minimal intervention, the wine reveals striking finesse, freshness, and distinct minerality, with intense aromas of white fruits. It is known for its crystalline clarity and balanced acidity, making it an excellent match for seafood and grilled fish.
THE ESTATE (ORGANIC)
In 2014, Antoine-Marie Arena, the son of Patrimonio’s legendary winemaker, Antoine Arena, took over 6 hectares of organically-cultivated premium vines to soon create one of Corsica’s most celebrated estates. Known for his deep commitment to environmentally-friendly viticulture, local terroir, and meticulous vinification, he produces wines cherished for their purity, elegance and complexity. Focusing on native grape varieties such as Niellucciu, Vermentinu, or Biancu Gentile, that brought forth prestigious Mémoria and Carco labels, the passionate grower has gathered both critical acclaim and a loyal international following.
Address: Lieu dit morta maio, 20253 Patrimonio
Tel: +33 0620922829
On site: shop
3. CLOS CULOMBU – STORIA DI SIGNORE
Storia di Signore (€25) is a complex, full-bodied blend of indigenous Corsican white grape varieties- a true standout with expressive yellow fruit aromas, silky smooth texture and a well-balanced structure. Apart from shellfish, it pairs well with creamy poultry dishes and the Corsican cheese. Given the island’s steep wine prices, Storia di Signore offers an excellent value without compromise.
THE ESTATE (BIODYNAMIC)
Clos Culombu is a renowned family-owned estate founded in 1973 between Ile Rousse and Calvi. Committed to excellence in organic farming and sustainability, the Suzzoni family have expanded the vineyards over the years, and today, they encompass over 64 hectares of indigenous vines, 12 hectares of olive trees, and a herd of cattle. The winery boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including temperature-controlled vat rooms and stainless steel tanks, while the ageing process takes place in 500-litre French oak barrels. Transitioning to biodynamic practices encouraged the use of indigenous yeasts to enhance terroir characteristics and produce exceptional handcrafted wines.
Address: Chemin San Petru, 20260 Lumio
Tel: +33 0495607068
On site: shop, tasting, bike and donkey tours of vineyards
4. CLOS VENTURI – ALTARE
Altare (€70) is a refined, well-structured wine produced from a blend of five indigenous grape varieties- Vermentinu, Biancu Gentile, Genovese, Riminese, and Carcaghjolu Biancu, cultivated on a small plot at about 500 meters altitude. Its generous palate is marked by citrus and exotic fruit flavours, layered with herbal and spice notes, with saline minerality. Often compared to great white Burgundies, Altare displays a luxurious mouthfeel that evolves beautifully with age.
THE ESTATE (BIODYNAMIC)
Domaine Vico/Clos Venturi is one of the most prestigious estates in Corsica, boasting a rich history and tradition, with wines recognised internationally for their unique flair. Located in Ponte Leccia, at an altitude of 300-500 meters, it was established in 1901 by Jean Vico. Acquired by the Venturi-Aquaviva family in 1987, it has since been modernised and restructured. Today, Emmanuel Venturi runs the operations using traditional methods, with manual harvesting to preserve the grape’s natural characteristics. The 65-hectare vineyard, certified organic and biodynamic, thrives on complex soils (schist, basalt, granite, and rolled pebbles), yielding outstanding wines celebrated for their finesse and elegant vivacity.
Address: Route de Calvi, 20218 Morosaglia
Tel: +33 0495473204
On site: shop, tasting
5. DOMAINE DE VACCELLI – AJA DONICA
Aja Donica (€85) is made from handpicked Vermentinu grapes grown on old vines in granitic soils. It seduces with rich notes of white flowers and honey, complemented by hints of candied lemon and sweet spices. This succulent wine matured in aged oak barrels offers remarkable finesse and harmony. Highly sought after due to limited quantities, it has a loyal following. As one of Corsica’s best gastronomic whites, it pairs well with fish stews and seafood dishes.
THE ESTATE (ORGANIC)
Domaine de Vaccelli, located in the Taravu Valley between Ajaccio and Propriano, is one of Corsica’s leading wine estates, regarded as a benchmark for quality. Founded in the 1960s by Roger Courrèges, who brought viticultural expertise from Algeria, the estate was instrumental in restoring and preserving native Corsican grape varieties such as Sciaccarellu, Vermentinu or Minustellu. Now managed by a passionate third-generation winemaker, Gérard Courrèges, the domaine covers nearly 20 hectares of organically farmed vineyards on granite soils. Rigorous hand harvesting, native yeast fermentation, and diverse ageing methods produce wines of unique precision, balance, and terroir expression sought after by Michelin-starred restaurants and collectors.
Address: Lieu-dit Aja-Donica, 20123 Cognocoli-Monticchi
Tel: +33 0495243554
On site: shop
6. CLOS NICROSI – MUSCATELLU
Muscatellu (€35) is an emblematic Corsican sweet wine made from perfectly mature Muscat à Petits Grains berries. Grapes are hand-harvested in wooden crates and then spread out in the sun for 1 to 2 weeks. Concentrated, rich flavours of citrus, almond and honey are offset by balanced acidity. It’s a superb dessert wine that will accompany chocolate delicacies or the cheese-based Corsican fiadone.
THE ESTATE (ORGANIC)
Winemaking traditions of the esteemed Clos Nicrosi go back to 1850, when Dominique Nicrosi created a small estate at the tip of the Cap Corse peninsula. In the 1960s, the vineyards underwent an out-and-out restructuring with thorough replanting to best render the mineral, rocky terroir into authentic wines. Today, Jean-Noël Luigi, his son Sébastien and daughter Marine, who head this 9-hectare historic property, produce exemplary wines appreciated by wine lovers and international critics. Clos Nicrosi makes a great stopover while exploring the scenic route around Cap Corse.
Address: Vignale, 20247 Rogliano
Tel: +33 0611911215
On site: tasting, shop
GET YOUR CORSICA WINE GUIDE
Wine lover’s companion for a trip to Corsica – Grab your ebook!
Corsica Wine Guide – from vine to glass
✓ 9 wine regions
✓ 74 producers
✓ 125 wines
The Corsica Wine Guide – From Vine To Glass eBook is a one-stop shop for anyone interested in the fascinating Corsican wine world. It serves as both an educational resource and a practical companion for wine enthusiasts, whether planning a trip to the island or simply looking to expand their knowledge of this captivating wine region. This comprehensive 57-page resource (62MB PDF file) offers an in-depth exploration of Corsica’s viniculture history, diverse terroirs, and distinctive grape varieties that make local wines truly exceptional. Practical advice includes a list of 39 must-visit wineries with recommendations for top wines and tasting experiences, as well as a directory of wine bars and shops.
BOOK A GUIDED WINE TASTING TOUR IN CORSICA
CALVI AND ILE ROUSSE WINE TASTING TOUR
- 3-hour-long tour of vineyards and wineries in the Balagne region
- Wine tastings
- Picnic with fresh local products
- English and French-speaking guide
- Possibility to select pick-up in Calvi or Ile Rousse
- 3-hour-long tour of vineyards and wineries around Calvi
- Wine tastings
- Picnic prepared by a local chef
- English and French-speaking guide
- Pickup from Calvi
- 3-hour-long tour of vineyards and wineries around Patrimonio and Saint Florent
- Wine tastings
- Picnic with fresh products in the vines
- English and French-speaking guide
- Meeting point coordinates are available from the organisers
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- Pietra – Corsican beer with character
- Corsican olive oil
- Enjoy Corsica’s best-loved dessert
- Delicious Brocciu – Corsica’s favourite cheese
- Getting to know Corsican honey
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