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Ajaccio AOC is a sub-wine area of the French island of Corsica. Ajaccio wine (AOC Ajaccio) has been around for over 40 years and accounts for around 10% of all Corsican wines. Local wines are produced in the traditional way. As a result, unlike other wines, regional wines are known and valued across the globe for their distinctive flavors. 

This region's wine-growing heritage, which is among the island's oldest, developed around meticulously kept estates and areas of land with Sciaccarellovines. Sciaccarello grapes are sometimes regarded as the crown gem of Corsican grape varietals and tend to impart a special taste and refinement to both red and rosé wines.

These wines are made on one of France's most beautiful islands. Corsica is a French territory, yet many of the region's winemaking customs and grape types have Italian roots. 

On the picturesque pathways of the sun-drenched "Island of Beauty," Corsica's wineries, which reflect a strong, 2,000-year-old character, offer unexpected surprises. 

On our website, you can book a memorable Ajaccio wine tour and visit vineyards.

Where is the Ajaccio Wine Region?

Ajaccio is an AOC for wine located on the Western side of Corsica Island in France, within the Corsica wine region. The Ajaccio wine region covers a vast area and includes territories from Sagone Bay in the north to the Taravo Valley in the south. It looks down over the Mediterranean Sea.

Unique Terroir of Ajaccio Appellation

There is a predominant Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Due to its height, which enables it to benefit from the coastal influence, a warm environment during the day, and a chilly environment at night. 

One of the highest wine regions in Corsica is Ajaccio, where some vines may grow at heights of 500 meters or more. Additionally, the mild temperature of Corsica and the effect of the sea make the red wine from Ajaccio quite unique. 

Clay and granite-based soils make up the terroir of Ajaccio, which lends the finished wine elegance and structure.

History of Ajaccio Wine Region

Most likely, the vine was brought to Corsica by Greek explorers about 565 BC. Aside from the typical wine-growing tradition of Corsica, Ajaccio was one of the earliest coastal settlements established by Rome. The vineyard was founded under the influence of Rome, which is also seen in the surrounding area. 

The slopes are then colonized, and the vineyard, located at one of Corsica's highest heights, is planted in locations that benefit from the reliefs' protective effects as well as the best exposures.

Coteaux d'Ajaccio was awarded appellation status in 1971, became an AOC in 1976 as part of the larger Corse AOC. In  1984 it was changed to Ajaccio and became a separate AOC. 

What is Ajaccio AOC Wine?

Ajaccio wines are filled with the aroma of wild flowers, almonds and black currants, with a sharp bouquet and a subtle combination of elegance and various shades. The result is a balanced bouquet with an intense taste. 

Sciaccarello is the flagship grape variety of the region used for making red and rose wines. Ajaccio white wines are mostly made from Vermentino.

The red wines of Ajaccio have a light red color, the aroma of spices, tobacco and red fruits. They can be stored from 4 to 6 years and served chilled to a temperature of 15 and 17 °C.

Other primarily grape varieties grown in the regions are Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, and Ugni Blanc.

Food to Pair with Ajaccio wine

Brocciu Corse

On the island of Corsica, brocciu is a cheese that can be prepared from fresh or aged goat or sheep milk and whey. It can serve as a lactose-free substitute for ricotta cheese, an Italian cheese. Its texture is smooth, creamy, and crumbly, and its fat content ranges from 40 to 50 percent.

It is best used to make omelets, baked goods like pastries, or soups because of its sweet, milky flavor. It goes well with red wine or Corsican white wines when eaten alone.

Jingisukan 

A speciality of Hokkaido is jingisukan, which is grilled mutton or lamb. On the convex-shaped grills, the food is always cooked at the dining table. It is served with sliced meat, which can be either plain or marinated, and various vegetables including onions, cabbage, leeks, or peppers. 

Regular trappings include chili sauce, grated garlic, and special soy sauce-based sauces.

Peach in Wine

The practice of eating peaches in wine, typically red wine, after they have rested for a bit in the refrigerator to cool off and allow the tastes to blend harmoniously is quite common in Italy, especially in the summer. 

Red and white wines can also be used for the dessert. The peaches are quickly boiled, skinned, and chopped while still warm before being placed in a tall, deep jar, mixed with sugar, and then wine is added. The peaches in wine will be ready to be experienced in the nicest way after a couple of hours.

Places to Discover During Your in Ajaccio Wine Tour

Ajaccio, Discover the Scenic Birthplace of Legendary Napoleon

Ajaccio is the capital and largest city of Corsica. Ajaccio is a witness and custodian of history, speaking of momentous epoch-making events that have left their stamp on this Mediterranean island's look and imprint on the fabled tenacious temperament of its inhabitants. It is sunny, scenic, lively, but pleasant.

Around its port and citadel, the old city of Ajaccio presents beautiful streets with colorful tall houses. The Marchal Foch square, decorated with a fountain, is charming with its palm trees and plane trees.

It is located in one of the alleys of the old city, or rather on the rue Saint-Charles, where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. Bonaparte's house now turned to a museum, which presents his personal memories. Other stuff (documents and medals) are on display in the Napoleon Salon, located in the Town Hall. Many other museums should be discovered, such as the Fesch Museum, combining Italian paintings or the Bandera Museum, depicting the history and culture of Corsica

The Bay of Ajaccio is distinguished by the presence of beautiful beaches and seaside resorts, such as Porticcio.

Porticcio, Place To Enjoy Corsican Sun

Porticcio is located within a short drive to the south-east of Ajaccio, a beach town on the south-west coast of Corsica.

The large, sandy beach, a variety of restaurants, various stores, and services located right behind the shore, as well as the resort's simplicity of access from Ajaccio, make Porticcio a favorite among tourists visiting Corsica.

Porticcio is a great location if your sole demand is to spend a few days in the Corsican sunlight.

Bonifacio, Corsican Paradise

Bonifacio is the most incredible, the most mythical and one of the beautiful cities in Corsica. Having climbed to the very cliff edge, in the south of the island, Bonifacio has been meeting travelers for many hundreds of years, among whom, according to legend, was Odysseus.

Incredible beauty of nature, cozy streets of the old town, wonderful Corsican wines and "eggplant bonifacio", as well as numerous cruises to neighboring islands are here to be explored. By the way, it is in the vicinity of Bonifacio that some of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica are located, which, perhaps, can also be called one of the most beautiful in the whole world! Turquoise water, snow-white sand, picturesque rocks. Locals say paradise looks something like this and it's not even that far from you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ajaccio AOC

What kind of wine is Ajaccio?

Ajaccio is an appellation producing white, red, and rosé wines that covers a region along the majority of Corsica's western coast in the Mediterranean.

What is the main grape for Ajaccio wine?

Sciacarello is the main grape variety for making the red wine in Ajaccio AOc. This is fruity, tannin wine with unique flavors.

Map of Wineries in Coteaux d’Ajaccio

Discover the locations of wineries in Coteaux d’Ajaccio