Hand harvested (yields usually around 35 hl/ha), natural fermentation, with infrequent doses of sulfur, cement cuve, no oak, long macerations from 6 to 9 weeks, with regular punch-downs, long élévages, up to 2 years, no fining, no filtration. 60 year old vines. Meaning "sunny grottoes" in Corsican, this parcel takes its name from its direct southern facing exposure. As the name suggests, this terroir on clay-limestone soils gives the ripest grapes from the property. Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge (2 ha), 100% Niellucciu, and Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Blanc (1ha), 100% Vermentinu, both come from this parcel. These vines average 60 years of age, and are from the original holdings of the Arena family, going back to at least the 18th century. These wines tend to be rich and round, but Antoine takes pains to harvest early and never allows for excessive maturity.
Meaning “sunny grottoes” in Corsican, this parcel takes its name from its direct southern facing exposure. As the name suggests, this terroir on clay limestone soils gives the ripest grapes from the property. Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge (2 ha), 100% Niellucciu, and Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Blanc (1ha), 100% Vermentinu, both come from this parcel. These vines average 60 years of age, and are from the original holdings of the Arena family, going back to at least the 18th century. These wines tend to be rich and round, but Antoine takes pains to harvest early and never allows for excessive maturity.
Amazing wine, rich though not overly, with enough dryness and structure to keep the flavors interesting. Dark fruity and heavy with a lot black cherries, blackberries.