The Patrimonio AOC is one of the most unique in Corsica, due to the prevalence of limestone soils in the region, as opposed to granite, as is found throughout most of the rest of the island. Patrimonio was the first AOC granted in Corsica, in 1968, and remains, arguably, its most important.

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White wines made here are all vermentino, the Italian grape (which perhaps originated in Spain or, who knows, maybe in Corsica) grown just to the south in Sardinia, as well as in Tuscany (as well as, as pigato and favorita, in Liguria and Piemonte respectively, though these may be considered 'cousins' and not exactly the same grape), and known as rolle in southern France, phew!

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In any case, it's here in Patrimonio, and to an extent in the hot hills of Tuscany, that vermentino reaches its most full-bodied, rich, aromatic perfection. The limestone soils keep it mineral and fresh, and the result is a beauty of a white wine from the Île de Beauté.

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Manu Gagnepain and David Risoul buy grapes from select organic growers and, using all their own equipment and technique, produce their wines on site. They also, for their own reasons, keep the exact location secret, thus we have a wine we know a bit about but not all. The results are terrific, in any event, so there's nothing to worry about.

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This 2016 A.D.N (that's DNA the French way), is rich and full-bodied, with heady floral aromatics (perfume-like), some lychee and tropical fruit on the palate, hints of nuts and honey, and a salty, mineral finish. Enjoy with raw oysters, salads, sautéed vegetables (asparagus!), and, of course, shellfish and fresh fish of all types.