Dominated by the 1,941 m peak of Monte Grossu, flanked by Ile Rousse to the east and the town of Calvi to the west, the Balagne region enjoys a mild climate between sea and mountains. The vine is one of its most generous emblems, and its vineyards cover more than 250 hectares. Discover the region and meet its artisans.
On the Balagne wine route, you'll meet not only winegrowers, but also glassmakers, olive growers, luthiers, potters, jewelers, cutlers...
What exactly is the Wine Route?
The Balagne vineyards, which stretch over hundreds of hectares between L'Île-Rousse and Calvi, are more than just a territory. It's a strong identity for the region, with its richly aromatic wines. You've probably already heard of the Corsican AOC Calvi. This unrivalled product is grown on granite slopes by men of art. This ancestral know-how is rooted in the noble grape varieties of Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu (red) and Vermentinu (white). The characterful wines of Balagne are the fruit of perfect harmony between passionate winemakers and their terroir. It's also what gives them the precious originality you'll discover on the Wine Route. Each of the Balagne wineries has its own signature, of course, but they all have two things in common: exquisite taste and excellent quality.
Balagne, the Garden of Corsica
Balagne, also known as the "Garden of Corsica", enjoys an ideal location for viticulture. Thanks to its fertile soils, the Romans chose to introduce vines here, which monasteries managed and developed in medieval times. On the Balagne wine route, you can also admire the famous citadel of Calvi, adorned with a long beach lined with pine trees.
This pearl of the coast will also reveal its hinterland. Perched villages marked by a unique landscape: Romanesque churches, dry-stone farms, terraced vineyards... Along the "Strada Vinaghola" linking Calvi to Feliceto and Calenzana, don't miss the chance to meet the 12 AOC Corse-Calvi producers. They'll open their doors to you for a tasting and a discovery of their estates. You'll love the seductive whites made mainly from Vermentinu grapes. Continue along the 22 km of fine white sand beaches. To complete your stroll, make a detour to the Saleccia botanical park. You'll be sure to appreciate its olfactory trail filled with Mediterranean plants, rosemary, pistachio, euphorbia and more.
Finish your tour on Ile Rousse, the famous Roman trading post that was transformed into a port in the 20th century by Pascal Paoli.... The symbol of the Corsican nation. If you're lucky, sommelier Christophe Talon will suggest a three-color tasting (white, red, rosé) in his famous wine cellar. A gourmet way to discover the history of an entire region!
