Vin de Corse ou Corse

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The geological substratum is essentially granitic and schistose, with ancient crystalline formations to the west and south (Calvi, Figari, Porto-Vecchio, Sartène) and Alpine-type schistose formations to the north-east, as at Cap Corse.
• The eastern coast rests on Quaternary sedimentary formations, while limestone formations dominate around Patrimonio.
• Four main soil types have developed on this substratum: soils on arénised granite, soils on calcareous schists or more acidic lustrous schists, clay-limestone soils, and soils developed on alluvial deposits.
• 95% of the production of the Vin de Corse ou Corse appellation originates from the vineyard extending from Bastia to Solenzara, along the entire eastern coastal façade, which constitutes the largest viticultural zone on the island.
• The regional winds play a determining role in the Corsican climate: the Tramontana from the north, the Maestrale from the north-west, the Libecciu from the south-west, the Sirocco from the south-east, and the Grégale, a strong rain-bearing wind from the north-east affecting the eastern façade.
• The climate falls within the littoral margin of the Mediterranean climate, with isotherms ranging from 14°C to 17°C and sunshine exceeding 2,500 hours, with annual rainfall of between 600 and 700 millimetres.

• The establishment of viticulture in Corsica is attributed to the Greeks, with the founding in 600 BC by the Phocaeans of the trading post of Alalia on the eastern shore of the island.
• The arrival of 17,000 repatriates from North Africa in the second half of the twentieth century introduced mass viticultural and oenological techniques, with mechanised vineyards intended to produce blending wine for the mainland.

• The red wines, derived mainly from Nielluccio and Sciaccarello blended with Grenache and Syrah, display a fairly deep colour with fruity aromas, hints of liquorice and leather, and a silky, lingering palate.
• The rosé wines display a pale colour and intense aromas that are generally fruity or floral, with an aromatic profile that varies according to the geographical zone and the grape varieties planted.
• The white wines, produced from at least 75% Vermentino, generally display dominant floral notes conferred by this variety.

• The poor granitic or schistose soils favour low-yielding viticultural expressions, while the deeper soils, with their water-retention capacity, help offset prolonged periods of summer drought and limit water stress that can impede grape ripening.
• The rugged topography influences the island's wind patterns by allowing an almost daily influx of cool, moist air, which is particularly critical at the end of berry ripening.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Dénominations géographiques complémentaires

• Vin de Corse Calvi ou Corse Calvi AOC (PDO)
• Vin de Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse ou Corse Coteaux du Cap Corse AOC (PDO)
• Vin de Corse ou Corse Figari AOC (PDO)
• Vin de Corse Porto-Vecchio ou Corse Porto-Vecchio AOC (PDO)
• Vin de Corse Sartène ou Corse Sartène AOC (PDO)

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 6 décembre 2019 publié au JORF du 8 décembre 2019, JORF 8 décembre 2019
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — CIV Corse — Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Corse