Domaine d'Alzipratu - Winery

Traditional Corsican Wines at Domaine d’Alzipratu

The establishment of the Domaine d’Alzipratu Estate dates back to the 1960s. Domaine d’Alzipratu winery is located in Balagne at 8 km from Calvi in the North-West of the Island. The first owner of the Convent of Alzipratuwas Baron Henry Louis de la Grange. At the foot of Corsica’s Mount Grossu, Pierre Acquaviva follows in the footsteps of his father Maurice. However, while the father sold the grapes to a cooperative, the son prefers to produce fine wines. With his wife Cécilia, Pierre looks after 40 hectares of vineyards of mostly traditional Corsican varieties.

Climate and Wine Quality on the Island

The sea and the mountains have a profound effect on the growing conditions. The vines growing on higher areas produce fresher wines. Indeed, the temperatures are a little hardy. However, the winery owners know that the use of traditional methods and local grape varieties also contribute to these unique wines. On the island, winemakers planted also well-known varieties such as Grenache and Syrah that are perfect for local terroir. Both are used in the Domaine d’Alzipratu Fiumesecco Cuvée.

The Unique Tastes of Coriscan Wines

Sciaccarellu grapes are unique to Corsica. This variety thrives on the granite slopes and it gives the Dulcinu a naturally sweet red taste. Another native variety grown in the winery is Niellucciu which has hints of liquorice. Both varieties are evocative of the famous Corsican maquis. Vermentino is the Corsican version of Malvasia, bearing the hallmarks of this typically Mediterranean grape, in particular, the floral aromas. Biancu Gentile is one of the oldest Corsican grape varieties possessing distinct white fruit and honey notes.

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