Porto-Vecchio Wine Region

Porto-Vecchio wine region is centered around the commune of Port-Vecchio, Bonifacio, and Solenzara in Corse du Sud, in the southeastern part of Corsica Island. The region is a village appellation and produces wines under the Vin de Corse, the regional appellation of Corsica. The landscape is heavenly with the calm blue waters of Golfe de Porto Vecchio bay and the southern mountains of Corsica. Porto Vecchio wine region produces red, white, and rose wines but red wines dominate the area with a small production of white and rose. Explore wines, wine estates, beautiful beaches, and exclusive resorts while you are in the city of Porto-Vecchio. 

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Porto-Vecchio!

Where is the Porto-Vecchio wine region?

The City of Porto-Vecchio lies just 64 km east of Sartene. The region is on the southeastern coastal area of the Corsical island beside the exquisite Golfe de Porto Vecchio bay. Corsica island is close to Italy separated by just a narrow strait of Bonifacio which explains the Italian influence in viticulture and wines. 

History of the Porto-Vecchio wine region

The earliest residents on the island of Corsica were Phoceans traders who arrived around 570 BC and were the first to plant local grapes brought by them. During the 7th and 8th centuries, the island was under Islamic dominion, which limited the manufacturing and sale of alcohol. The Tuscans ruled the region in the Middle Ages and the Republic of Genoa in the 13th century. Corsican wines were barred from being exported during Genoa's reign. The French Emperor was born into a wine-growing family in the Corsican city of Ajaccio. During Napoleon's reign, the area was permitted to export wine throughout the French empire. The Patrimonio is the first of nine appellations in the Corsica wine area, making it the island's oldest. In 1968, the region was granted its own AOC.

Winemaking in Corsica dates back 2000 years and is dominated by the classic Italian grape varieties, Vermentino for the white and Sangiovese for red. 

The terroir and geography of the Porto-Vecchio wine region

This beautiful wine region is blessed with a Mediterranean and subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is 17.5 degrees celsius with around 600mm of annual rainfall. The topology of the region is mountainous with large rolling hills across the valley with several mesoclimates which influence the wines of Porto-Vecchio. The region is blessed with higher sunshine levels than any other part of mainland France. The soil in the region is mostly granite based with alluvial deposits.  

Popular grape varieties from the Porto-Vecchio wine region

The native grape variety of Porto-Vecchio, Nielluccio, is the major grape variety accounting for approximately 40% of total production. Other grape varieties grown in the region are Grenache, Sangiovese, Aleatico, Barbarossa, Carcajolo Nero, Minustello, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan, Vermentino, Biancu Gentile, Ugni Blanc, and Sciaccarello. The whites are predominantly made from Vermentino that are highly aromatic with notes of herbs. These wines are elegant with minerality. 

Food to pair with Porto-Vecchio wine 

Apple pie

Apple pie is a traditional American dessert that is made of apples, sugar, butter, and pie crust.

It is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The first apple pies were made in America and it was an important part of the American colonial diet. Apple pie is the heart of American cuisine which imported some of the basics from England. This dish is widely popular across the world and can be found everywhere from grocery shops to restaurants and coffee shops.

Apple pie is known to be one of the most popular desserts in America. It has been around for centuries and it will continue to be a dessert that people enjoy for years to come.

White sauce pasta

White sauce pasta is a pasta dish that is made with white sauce, which is a milk-based sauce. The sauce is typically made with butter, flour, and milk and has a creamy texture. White sauce pasta can be served as an appetizer or as the main course of the meal. This dish can be prepared with a variety of pasta shapes such as fettuccine, spaghetti, rigatoni, etc

The white sauce pasta dish has been around since the 1600s in Italy. It was originally called "pasta al burro" which means "pasta with butter." This dish became popular in the United States during the 1950s when it was known as "spaghetti and meatballs."

Grilled chicken 

Grilled chicken is a dish that is often cooked in the United States and has been popularized by Southern cuisine.

There are many ways to prepare grilled chicken. The most common way is to cut a whole chicken into pieces and then grill it on a barbecue grill, stovetop grill, or open fire.

Grilled chicken can be seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and even lemon juice before it's cooked.

The dish can be served with a variety of condiments such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce.

Places to visit in the Porto-Vecchio wine region

Porto-Vecchio Beaches

Porto-Vecchio has among of France's most beautiful beaches, with fine sand and blue waves. The southern coastline line is home to the most popular beach, which attracts a large number of people all year. Palombaggia is globally regarded as one of Corsica's most stunning beaches. If you dislike crowded locations, you may rest in peace on quieter beaches further south. In the north, you can visit the child-friendly beaches of Cala Rossa, Saint Cyprien, and Pinarellu.

Porragia Island

If the beaches tire you, you may explore this amazing hilly island near Corsica. The Porragia archipelago, also known as the Lavezzi archipelago, is made up of tiny granite islands and reefs. The island is about 4 kilometers from Corsica's mainland. Take a boat ride from the Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio harbors. Exploring the terrain and outlook is fascinating and interesting. You may also explore a number of towns and hamlets nestled in the highlands. Take a walk along the beach and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions about Porto-Vecchio