IGP Île de Beauté French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
IGP Île de Beauté is the regional protected geographical indication covering the whole island of Corsica, used for fresh rosés, aromatic whites and Mediterranean reds made outside the island's AOC rules.
More info about IGP Île de Beauté
Geographic position
The Mediterranean island of Corsica, southeast of mainland France and north of Sardinia, with vineyards on coastal hills and plains, especially along the eastern plain between Bastia and Aleria.
Origin & history
Greek settlers from Phocaea planted vines at Aleria around 565 BC, and Genoese rule left a strong Italian influence on Corsica's grapes. After 1960, returning settlers from Algeria replanted the eastern plain; the Vin de Pays de l'Île de Beauté was created in 1968 and became an IGP in 2009.
Wines & grape varieties
Rosé is the leading style, followed by red and white. Native grapes Niellucciu (Sangiovese), Sciaccarellu and Vermentinu sit alongside Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Merlot, Chardonnay and Muscat.
Climate & soil
Sunny Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes and mountain air. Granite in the south and west, schist in the northeast and alluvial clay and sand on the eastern plain.
Wine region: Corsica
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Muscat, Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, Syrah