Domaine de Pratavone

Domaine de Pratavone: AOP Ajaccio Wines in the Heart of the Corsican Maquis

A Wine Estate Between Sea and Mountains in Corsica. Discovering the wines of Domaine de Pratavone means understanding the story of a unique Corsican terroir and a family deeply attached to its land.

The estate is located in the heart of the Corsican maquis, in the Taravo Valley, only 8 kilometers from Porto Pollo and close to the famous prehistoric site of Filitosa, one of the most important historical sites in Corsica.

Founded in the 1960s by Jean Courrèges, Domaine de Pratavone is now run by his daughter Isabelle Courrèges, an oenologist. She continues the spirit of the estate with the same passion and dedication, carrying on the work started by her father to reveal the full richness of wines from the Ajaccio appellation.

The vineyard now extends over nearly 50 hectares of vines cultivated according to sustainable farming practices in order to preserve the natural balance of the terroir.

A Granite Terroir Typical of AOP Ajaccio

Domaine de Pratavone benefits from a terroir highly representative of the Ajaccio appellation, renowned for producing wines that are both elegant and expressive.

The vines are planted on slopes composed of granite sands, sandy soils resulting from the decomposition of granite. These well-drained soils force the vine roots to grow deep into the ground to access water and minerals, enhancing the aromatic concentration of the grapes.

The Mediterranean climate also provides ideal growing conditions:

nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year
low rainfall
close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, located about 10 kilometers from the estate

This combination allows the production of structured, aromatic and balanced Corsican wines typical of the Ajaccio terroir.

Sciaccarellu, the Iconic Corsican Grape Variety

At Domaine de Pratavone, special attention is given to Sciaccarellu, the emblematic native grape variety of the Ajaccio appellation.

Its name literally means “crunchy under the tooth,” referring to the texture of its berries. This grape produces lightly colored wines with remarkable aromatic finesse and elegance.

Depending on the cuvées, it is blended with other Mediterranean varieties:

Grenache, which adds roundness and generosity
Nielluccio, which brings structure and depth
Vermentino, the essential white grape of Corsica, also known as Malvoisie de Corse

This diversity allows the estate to craft authentic Ajaccio wines that reflect the identity of Corsican viticulture.

Two Wine Ranges Expressing the Terroir

Domaine de Pratavone offers two complementary wine ranges:

Prestige Range: More complex and structured cuvées designed for special occasions and gastronomic meals.

Tradition Range: Accessible and expressive wines that capture the convivial spirit of Corsican wines and are perfect for everyday enjoyment.

In both cases, the philosophy remains the same: respect for the grape, precision in winemaking and faithful expression of the Corsican terroir.

The Wines of Domaine de Pratavone

Rosé Prestige & Tradition: Mainly produced from Sciaccarellu, this rosé is made using direct pressing to preserve the delicate aromatic profile of the grape.

After cold settling, fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures to maintain freshness and aromatic intensity.

Red Prestige: Blend of Sciaccarellu (70%), Grenache (20%) and Nielluccio (10%). This wine reveals the full typicity of the Ajaccio terroir.

After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, it is aged in stainless steel tanks and then in barrels, bringing complexity and aging potential.

Red Tradition: Made from the same grape varieties, this wine is aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit expression.

It pairs perfectly with red meats, grilled dishes and stews, with an aging potential of 5 to 7 years.

White Prestige: Produced from 100% Vermentino, this gastronomic white wine reveals the richness of Corsica’s flagship white grape.

After fermentation, it is aged in barrels for 12 months, adding depth and complexity.

White Tradition: Also made from Vermentino, this cuvée highlights freshness and aromatic purity.

Domaine de Pratavone, The Authentic Expression of Ajaccio Wines

Between wild maquis landscapes, granite soils and a Mediterranean climate, Domaine de Pratavone produces wines that fully reflect the personality of the AOP Ajaccio.

Guided by Isabelle Courrèges’ passion, each cuvée reveals the unique balance between Corsican character, aromatic finesse and the identity of the terroir.

Why Are Ajaccio Wines So Unique ?

The originality of wines from the Ajaccio appellation comes from the unique combination of granite soils, Mediterranean climate and native grape varieties such as Sciaccarellu.

This rare balance produces wines that are elegant, aromatic and deeply rooted in their terroir.

At Domaine de Pratavone, this Corsican identity is fully expressed in every bottle.