Patrimonio
Patrimonio is located in North Corsica, at the beginning of Cap Corse, in the Nebbio region, about 4km from Saint Florent. Patrimonio received its AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status in 1968, making it the oldest of Corsica’s 9 AOC regions.
Patrimonio is worth visiting, especially for wine enthusiasts and those interested in Corsican culture and history. The village offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural sites, and renowned vineyards. It’s particularly lively in summer due to the music festival.
The village is part of the “Route des Sens Authentiques,” an initiative promoting typical Corsican products. This route allows visitors to discover local workshops, farms, vineyards, and craftsmen, guaranteeing quality and authenticity of local products.
Given its location near Saint Florent and at the beginning of Cap Corse, Patrimonio could be a good stop as part of a broader exploration of northern Corsica, especially for those interested in wine tasting and experiencing local culture.
Get in:
The village is accessible from:
Patrimonio Attractions:
Vineyards: Patrimonio is renowned for its wine production. It’s part of the Patrimonio AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée ) wine region, with over 30 wineries in the area.
Wine Route: Visitors can drive along the Patrimonio wine route, exploring various vineyards and participating in wine tasting sessions.
Cultural Heritage:
- Baroque San Martinu Church
- Santa Maria Assunta Chapel
- The Roman Bridge
- A Menhir-statue in the amphitheater
Natural Beauty:
The village offers views of the Gulf of Saint Florent and has a 3.5 km long jagged coastline with pebble beaches at Catarelli and Olzu.
Festivals
Nights of Guitar Festival: An annual music festival held in July, featuring famous guitarists performing various styles of music.
Patrimonio wines
Patrimonio received its AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status in 1968, making it the oldest of Corsica’s 9 AOC regions. Many winemakers in Patrimonio practice organic and biodynamic viticulture. The region is known for its commitment to sustainability, becoming France’s first AOC to ban synthetic herbicides.
The region offers wine tourism opportunities with over 43 properties along a scenic wine route. Notable wineries include Domaine Lazzarini, Domaine Orenga de Gaffory, Clos Santini, and Domaine Giudicelli.
Patrimonio wines are considered some of France’s most underappreciated, offering unique expressions of Corsican terroir through their indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods. The region’s commitment to quality and sustainability makes it an interesting destination for wine enthusiasts looking to explore lesser-known French appellations.
Terroir and Climate
- The region benefits from a unique terroir, with soils composed mainly of chalky clay and limestone, distinct from the rest of Corsica.
- Patrimonio enjoys a Mediterranean climate with high diurnal temperature variations.
- The proximity to the Ligurian Sea provides cooling breezes that moderate the high afternoon temperatures.
Grape Varieties and Wines
- Red wines: Primarily made from Nielluccio (local name for Sangiovese), which must comprise at least 90% of the blend.
- White wines: 100% Vermentino.
- Rosé wines: Minimum 75% Nielluccio.
Other permitted varieties include Grenache and Sciaccarello.
Wine Characteristics
Red Patrimonio wines are often described as having a deep savory quality with notes of black fruit, licorice, spice, smoke, and wild herbs. The style is compared to a mix between traditional Chianti and rustic Bandol.
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