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Corsica — Wine Region Guide

Dajeong Lim M.D.
DipWSET · CMS Advanced Sommelier (Leslie Rudd Award 2024) · FWS · IWS · SWS
Wine educator of PDT Seoul · Editor of YourOwnWineEncyclopedia.com · Last reviewed June 2026

The Corsica maps from Your Own Wine Encyclopedia — every name tag opens a study card. Below, the chapter's own geography, climate and geology notes.

Maps on this page
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On the map
Cap Corse — Patrimonio · Muscat du Cap Corse · Ajaccio · Southern Corsica — Sartène · Figari · Porto-Vecchio
Interactive map
Terrain & satellite · every name tag opens a study card
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Corsica · Satellite
Corsica. Patrimonio, Ajaccio and the Vin de Corse appellations around the island.

From the encyclopedia — geography, climate & geology

Geology & Topography

  • Geological division: W/S = granitic; NE = schistose with some limestone
  • Central massif: National park; 20% of island >1,000 m; Monte Cinto 2,706 m (ice/snow even in summer)
  • Vineyards: Ring along coastline, avg. 300 m elevation

Soil — Four Main Types

  • Granite: West side (Ajaccio) → Sciaccarello thrives; richer, full-bodied wines
  • Schist: North and Cap Corse → suits Vermentino well; desiccating winds allow sweet Muscat
  • Chalk & clay: Patrimonio → Nielluccio; full-bodied, fruit-forward reds, herb-scented
  • Marly sand & alluvial: East coast → light-bodied, fresh, fruit-driven wines

Climate

  • Mediterranean with oceanic and alpine influences
  • Sunshine: 2,470–2,885 hours/year; sea absorbs daytime heat, radiates back at night → minimal diurnal variation except at altitude
  • Rainfall: Median 737 mm; little rain Aug–Sept → dry, rot-free harvests, little vintage variation

On the map