The wines of Balagne

Published on Monday 14 March 2022

An ideal accompaniment to our meals, both in summer and winter, with meat or fish, wine is a perfect accompaniment to any meal, whatever the season.

« The power of nature. The heart of man. The art of wine »

From the wild vine to domestication, wine culture is considered one of the great conquests of humanity.
In Corsica, and especially in Balagne, viticulture is propelled by the young generations of wine growers. Often leaving to study on the continent to acquire new knowledge, they return with a thirst to revitalise and enhance the value of ancestral grape varieties.
Towards a more qualitative vinification and more responsible cultivation methods.
And if Corsica is known for its people of character, its wines are just as well!

The grape varieties

Known for its traditional dishes, Corsica is also known for its various grape varieties. There are about thirty of them listed throughout the island. Among the most recognized, 3 varieties stand out, especially in Balagne.

The Vermentinu

A white grape variety that produces dry, typical wines with floral, apple and almond aromas.

The Sciaccarellu

Sciaccarellu (from the Corsican translation of crisp): a black grape variety. It produces wines with typical Corsican flavours, slightly spicy and with red fruit aromas.

The Niellucciu

The Niellucciu is a red grape variety, specific to the Patrimonio region in the Cap Corse. It is the source of dense wines, with aromas of red fruits, slightly woody and spicy..

We like to describe our grape varieties as wines of character, made from vines grown exclusively on granite soils. They reflect the men and women who have been growing and working with them since ancient times. The Greeks and then the Romans were already praising the beverages of the eastern coast and the Balagne region. Later, under the occupation of Pisa, the wines were given to priests and notables. When the island came into French hands, the wine industry continued despite the hazards of wars and vineyard diseases.

Whether you are a wine lover or an epicurean, our local winegrowers will be delighted to take you to the heart of their profession through tastings and visits to the vineyards.

The Alzipratu winery

Among our best references, we would like to introduce you to Domaine Alzipratu, a wine estate created at the beginning of the 1960s, between land and sea, nestled in the small typical village of Zilia, producing red, rosé and white wines. On request, we can arrange a guided tour of the vineyard and cellars. The estate offers weekday visits as well as wine and food pairings.

Learn or improve your knowledge of food and wine pairing thanks to the sensory tour: an invitation into their world ending on a gourmet note by tasting various dishes, accompanied by the best grape varieties.

The Clos Culombu

On a more sporting note, we recommend Clos Culombu ! It was in the early 1970s that the Suzzoni family decided to start producing wine. It is at the foot of the village of Lumiu and Montegrosso that the family set up their estate. Three years later, they made their first Nielluciu wines.

This wine estate, close to the village of Lumio, of more than 64 hectares has been producing excellent wines for 3 generations now. It highlights the islands grape varieties and does not hesitate to bring forgotten varieties back into fashion.

During a visit to the estate, you will have the opportunity to discover the vineyards on a Fat Bike tour that will take you through olive groves, scrubland and oak woods. A way to combine pleasure, discovery, and a touch of sport, and to finish, of course, with a tasting of the best wines of the Clos.

The Orsini winery

Wine lover but also a gourmet at heart? An address not to be missed:

The Domaine Orsini, a wine estate located at the foot of the mountains, offers you the possibility of discovering Corsican wines from the most delicate to the densest, muscats but also small delicacies.

Wines, Aperitifs, Liqueurs, Jams, Nougats, or even Fruit Pastes, the Domain invites you for a gourmet tasting every day of the week.

You can also visit the shop, which offers a wide range of products and gift baskets to taste or to take home in your suitcase. Possibility of ordering and delivery in Europe.

The Clos Landry

The Paolini family has run the estate since it was founded in the early 1900s. Marc Paolini, the current winemaker, is the fifth generation. Situated at the entrance to Calvi, Clos Landry covers 25 hectares and its proximity to the sea gives it a healthy and airy climate. This also allows the vines to require a minimum of treatment.

The different grape varieties of the Clos, essentially Sciaccarellu, Vermentinu and Niellucciu, offer lively and fruity wines that are distinguished by their delicate and wild bouquet. The estate is distinguished in particular by its grey rosé which is its trademark.

These wines, lively and fruity, are light to drink despite their high natural alcohol content.

The Enclos des Anges

Niellucciu and Grenache grapes are the main ingredients of the granite soils of the Enclos des Anges, which will allow you to discover wines without artifice. Wines whose creamy and warm texture is enhanced by a touch of spices and aromatic plants.

The Camellu winery

Nestled on the heights of Calenzana, the 8-hectare Domaine Camellu (the smallest in Balagne) has been producing a range of robust, spicy, generous and refined wines since 1918. You will also have the opportunity to discover the estate through a tasting of local wines and products!

Just as tempting, other vineyards located not far from us will also welcome you in their little haven of peace to introduce you to their passion and let you discover their world.

The Maestracci winery

Located in the commune of Feliceto, Domaine Maestracci offers organic wines. The 30 hectares of the estate are composed of island grape varieties such as Niellucciu, Sciacarellu and Vermentinu which can be blended with other varieties such as Syrah or Ugni.

Figarella et A Ronca winery

The Clos Acquaviva is a family story:

It includes the Figarella winery run by Achille, the father, and the A Ronca estate run by Marina, his daughter. A family estate, and others acquired over time: Achilles father was the pioneer, in Balagne, of Sciaccarellu graft plantations.

In addition to the vineyards, Achille completes his vineyard plots with a citrus production: dedicated to direct sale, but also to the creation of citron, clementine or lemon wines.

The 20-hectare estate is located inland, about ten minutes from Calvi, and is bordered by the river of the same name: A Ronca

The Renucci winery

Located not far from the small village of Feliceto, Domaine Renucci is one of the oldest estates in Balagne. Created at the end of the 19th century, it cultivates vineyards and olive trees and continues to grow and surprise us with its renowned wines, among which our heart sways for the Pitraïa cuvée.

Château Prince Pierre Napoléon

The last one on the list! This estate, freshly established 17 kilometres from Calvi, in the beautiful valley of Luzzipeu, produced its first vintages in 2021! The 87 hectares of farmland make the Château Prince Pierre estate one of the largest on the island.

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