Zuria

The History of Domaine Zuria

The Domaine Zuria story began in 2010, driven by the bold vision of the Zuria family, heirs to a long agricultural tradition on the lands of Bonifacio. Dominique Zuria, known as the last "Pialincu," once worked these limestone lands with a donkey. On this family property, with its 150-year history, Christian and Nadine, joined by their son Yvan, decided to revive a vineyard abandoned since the phylloxera crisis of the 19th century. Working with Yves Canarelli, a leading figure in Corsican viticulture, they cleared the scrubland and replanted native grape varieties. Their first harvest, in 2016, marked the emergence of a pioneering estate, hailed by La Revue du Wine de France as a major discovery from its very first vintage. Today, Domaine Zuria continues to write an important chapter in the island's winemaking history, with a clear ambition: to bring out the best of Bonifacio's terroir through wines with a strong sense of place.

The Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Zuria

Domaine Zuria covers 16 hectares across five plots, each with its own distinct character: Stintinu (Maora, 3 ha), Musella (2 ha), Spinella (6 ha), Santa Giulia (2 ha) and Vallée Longa (3 ha). Set on Bonifacio’s limestone plateau and swept by sea winds, these vineyards have clay-limestone soils rare in Corsica, giving the wines incomparable minerality and freshness. The principal grapes—Sciaccarellu for reds and rosés, and Vermentinu for whites—are complemented by native varieties such as Morescone, Biancu Gentile, Genovese, Minustellu, Carcaghjolu Neru and Niellucciu. Farmed organically, with a gradual transition toward biodynamics, Domaine Zuria’s vines draw their strength from poor soils and an arid climate, producing concentrated grapes at limited yields (30 hl/ha). Overlooking the Mediterranean, this exceptional terroir gives the wines a unique elegance and energy.

Winemaking at Domaine Zuria

Domaine Zuria takes a precise, minimalist approach in the cellar, aiming to reveal the purity of each plot. Harvesting is exclusively by hand, ensuring rigorous grape selection. The gravity-flow winery, built 4 meters underground, provides optimal conditions for vinification and aging. Since 2021, a new, state-of-the-art winery at the entrance to Bonifacio has allowed for even more meticulous work. Winemaking methods vary by cuvée: stainless steel tanks preserve the freshness of Aria wines, concrete eggs add roundness and complexity, and oak foudres allow for more ambitious aging, as with the Stintinu and Crocci cuvées. This range of techniques brings out the distinctive qualities of the terroirs and grape varieties, producing balanced, expressive wines true to Bonifacio’s identity.

The Wines of Domaine Zuria

Domaine Zuria offers a complete range of red, white and rosé wines, each reflecting the richness of its terroir and the skill behind its winemaking. Here are the cuvées:  

Aria Rosé

A fresh, fruity rosé, perfect for sharing with friends. Made from Sciaccarellu grown on the granite soils of Vallée Longa and San Giuliano and vinified in stainless steel tanks, it delights with vibrant red-fruit aromas and a light touch. Ideal with grilled dishes or on a summer evening.  

Aria White

This 100% Vermentinu white, produced on the same granite soils, awakens the senses with notes of citrus and white flowers. Vinified in stainless steel tanks, it offers lively freshness and a generous texture, perfect as an aperitif or with fish dishes.  

Aria Red

An approachable red, also made from Sciaccarellu, that explores the granite soils of Vallée Longa and San Giuliano. Vinified in stainless steel tanks, it reveals notes of fresh red fruit and Mediterranean scrub herbs, with a balanced, light palate ideal for relaxed meals.  

Initiale Rosé

A natural companion to Mediterranean meals, this Sciaccarellu rosé from the limestone plots of Stintinu and Spinella combines freshness and complexity. Vinified in stainless steel tanks and concrete eggs, it offers a silky texture and intense fruit aromas, perfect with Corsican dishes.  

Initiale White

A harmonious blend of Vermentinu, Biancu Gentile and Genovese grown on the limestone soils of Crocci and Spinella. Aged in an oak foudre, this round, creamy white reveals notes of ripe fruit and saline minerality, ready to enjoy now or after a few years of aging.  

Initiale Red

This 100% Sciaccarellu red, from the limestone plots of Stintinu and Spinella, is vinified in stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs and old oak foudres. It offers aromas of cold ash, licorice and red fruit, with a lithe palate and a saline finish that reflect the terroir of Bonifacio.  

Crocci

An exceptional white wine made from 100% Vermentinu grown on the limestone plot at Musella. Aged in an oak foudre, it reveals aromas of white flowers, citrus and peach, with a hint of butter. Its lively, mineral palate has remarkable tension, ideal for lovers of great Corsican whites.  

Santa Giulia

This single-vineyard Vermentinu, grown on the granite soils of Santa Giulia, is vinified in stainless steel tanks and concrete eggs. Full-bodied and balanced, it charms with notes of citrus and exotic fruit and a taut, mouthwatering finish. A wine of great finesse with aging potential.  

Stintinu

A single-vineyard Sciaccarellu from the limestone soils of Stintinu, aged for 18 months in an oak foudre. This lush, vibrant red offers notes of spice and ripe fruit and a silky texture balanced by a hint of sea-borne freshness. An exceptional wine with a promising future.  

Spinella

A bold blend of Sciaccarellu, Minustellu, Carcaghjolu Neru and Niellucciu from the limestone plot at Spinella. Aged in an oak foudre, this powerful red with a distinctive character reveals rich aromas and a refined structure, perfect for lovers of complex Corsican wines.

Domaine Zuria represents a rebirth, a vibrant tribute to the terroir of Bonifacio and its native grape varieties. When you buy Domaine Zuria wines, you discover cuvées that tell the story of a passionate family and an exceptional vineyard. Order now and let the authenticity and finesse of Domaine Zuria wines win you over!