Patrimonio Morta Maio Antoine Arena 2011

Lot presentation

Patrimonio Morta Maio Antoine Arena 2011

The wine

This natural, organic Corsican wine springs from the heart of the Arena family estate. Previously used to rear cattle and grow wheat, the estate is now run by Antoine Arena and his wife.
This pure Niellucco wine is the fruit of biodynamic viticulture. The vines are not subjected to any treatments and thrive on a typically Corsican terroir, among olive trees and scrubland, on clay and limestone soils. This grape variety, which originates from Italy, has been cultivated on the coast of Corsica for generations. The 1.5-hectare parcel of vines behind this delicious wine is called Morta Maio, which is Corsican for ‘high myrtle’.
In the winery, maceration is carried out in vats for around three weeks, and fermentation is triggered by the native yeasts. The wine is then matured for 18 months.
In the glass, this delightful Corsican beauty displays a dark ruby-red colour with hints of raspberry and aromas of red fruit. This delicate wine, with its fine, round tannins, can be enjoyed during the next five to six years. It pairs wonderfully with dishes brimming with character and typical regional cheeses.

About the Producer Antoine Arena

A figurehead for Patrimonio, and one of the most charismatic Corsican winegrowers, Antoine Arena produces wines of extraordinary precision. He has managed the property since 1980 (which originally only consisted of three hectares of vines) and was joined by his sons Jean-Baptiste and Antoine-Marie in 2004. The vineyard now covers 11 hectares, with red (Nielluccio) and white grapes (Vermentino, Bianco Gentile and Muscat à Petits Grains for the sweet wines). No chemical fertilizers or herbicides are used; and in the winery, the most natural techniques possible are employed. The Arena's philosophy, besides the careful observation and ploughing of the soil, is to bring out the best in their terroir; to accomplish this, a plot by plot approach is taken. The vineyard is managed according to biodynamic principles and has AB organic certification.

Detailed characteristics