AOC Patrimonio

Patrimonio comes from an area of northern Corsica where vines cover most of the farmed land. Uncultivated land is dense maquis, the island's scrubland, dotted with wild olive trees and holm oaks. The vines are pruned short, as bush vines or on a cordon, and new plantings must have at least 4,000 vines per hectare (about 1,620 per acre).

Seven Villages of the Nebbiu and the "Vini Navigati"

The Patrimonio AOC covers seven villages in Haute-Corse: Barbaggio, Farinole, Oletta, Patrimonio, Poggio-d'Oletta, Saint-Florent and Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda. The area spans the Nebbiu region, whose name means "fog" in Corsican. At the foot of Cap Corse, it opens onto the Gulf of Saint-Florent like a vast amphitheater.

Most of the vineyard lies in a long hollow running from Poggio-d'Oletta to Farinole, the "Conca d'Oro," or "rich basin," a few dozen meters above the sea. Its soils change from one village to the next, with elevation and distance from the shore.

In the late 18th century, Nebbiu wines were loaded onto sailboats at Saint-Florent, sailed around Cap Corse and were unloaded in Bastia. There they were tasted, and those that had held up well on the voyage earned the right to be exported as "vini navigati," wines that had sailed.

Patrimonio growers filed their first application for appellation status in 1942, 26 years before it was granted.

History of the AOC Patrimonio Appellation

The Patrimonio appellation, located in Corsica, is one of the oldest and most renowned on the "Île de Beauté" (Island of Beauty). Its winemaking history spans centuries, with vineyards cultivated on these lands since Roman times. Recognizable by its unique terroir and the exceptional quality of its wines, Patrimonio obtained AOC status in 1968, becoming the first Corsican appellation to receive this distinction.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Patrimonio

Climate: Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, the AOC Patrimonio enjoys hot sunny days and cool nights with its microclimate of mists and breezes, favoring the production of balanced wines.

Soils: The terroir of the Patrimonio appellation is predominantly composed of limestone, clay-limestone, and schist soils, imparting a beautiful minerality to the wines.

The Emblematic Grape Varieties of the AOC Patrimonio

• Red Wines and Rosés: The dominant grape variety for red and rosé wines is Niellucciu (or Nielluccio), which brings structure and aging potential. Niellucciu is often complemented by Sciaccarellu (or Sciaccarello) for its finesse and fruity notes, and Grenache for its roundness.

• White Wines: For white wines, Vermentino (also known as Rolle or Malvoisie de Corse) is the preferred grape variety, offering floral notes and a unique mouthfeel.

Style of AOC Patrimonio Wines

• Red Wine: Deep ruby red color. The nose reveals powerful aromas of red fruits (raspberry, blackcurrant), spices (pepper), and maquis herbs, sometimes accompanied by an animal touch. The palate of AOC Patrimonio red wines is robust and structured, with tannins that mellow after a few years of aging.

• Rosé Wine: Salmon pink hue. The nose is marked by notes of red berries (raspberry, redcurrant), citrus (grapefruit), and mild spices. AOC Patrimonio rosé wines are fresh, round, and balanced.

• White Wine: Pale yellow color with golden highlights. AOC Patrimonio white wine is characterized by an intense bouquet of white flowers, citrus, and exotic fruits, supported by a full and silky mouthfeel.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Patrimonio Wine

Achieve the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of white, rosé, or red wine from a domaine or château in AOC Patrimonio, using these recipe ideas:

• White Wine: Sea urchins, rabbit in cream sauce, Corsican tart with Brocciu cheese.

• Rosé Wine: Burrata with tomato and basil, grilled red mullet.

• Red Wine: Grilled figatellu (Corsican sausage), pigeon with ceps and chestnuts, wild boar stew.

Vines, Sugar and the Winegrowers' Festival in Patrimonio

How are weeds managed in Patrimonio's vineyards?

In Patrimonio's vineyards, weeds are managed without chemical herbicides, which the appellation bans. It also bans irrigation, so the vines are never watered.

How much sugar does a white Patrimonio contain?

A white Patrimonio contains no more than 4 grams of sugar per liter, or 5 grams if its natural alcohol exceeds 14% ABV. The appellation defines it as a still, dry wine made from Vermentino alone.

How do Patrimonio's winegrowers celebrate Saint Martin's Day?

In Patrimonio, Saint Martin's Day, "A San Martino," is the winegrowers' festival, when the first cask of the new vintage is opened each year. A local wine brotherhood leads the occasion, a tradition since the appellation's 30th anniversary on November 11, 1998.

Where can you buy Patrimonio direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Patrimonio direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The producer packs and ships your order directly.

See also: AOC Ajaccio - White wines from Corsica - Rosé wines from Corsica