Corse

France’s Mediterranean island is traditionally hitched to Provence's wagon in wine books, and they share some vine varieties just as they once shared rulers. Only a small proportion of the wine made there is exported but quality is starting to recover in the better vineyards after the wild and usually unwise vineyard expansion of the 1980s. The Corsican varieties Sciaccarello and Nielluccio (identical to Italy’s Sangiovese) are increasingly appreciated. Vermentino (Rolle) is regarded as the island's own white grape and can produce dry, firm and sometimes aromatic whites. Most of the island's production is sold as France's most cleverly named IGP – L’Île de Beauté (Island of Beauty) but producers such as Antoine Arena also produce rare, sweet, strong vins doux naturels from the northernmost part of the island labelled Muscat du Cap Corse.

Some favourite producers: Clos Canarelli, Gentile, Leccia, Orenga de Gaffory, Domaine Peraldi, Domaine de la Punta.