The Arena name in Corsica carries the weight of generations. When Antoine Arena cleared the Carco vineyard in 1987, he wasn't just planting vines—he was establishing a legacy. The limestone soils he chose had never seen pesticides or fertilizers, and he resisted the siren call of international varieties when others were ripping out native grapes.

Antoine’s son Antoine-Marie, after studying viticulture and completing stints in Burgundy and Provence, returned home to join the family domaine in 2004. By 2014, in true Corsican spirit of independence, the holdings were divided between Antoine and his sons. Each claimed their favorite parcels, with Antoine-Marie inheriting the crown jewel: Carco.

Working this northeast-facing limestone amphitheater at the foot of Cap Corse, Antoine-Marie practices the same organic and biodynamic principles his father reveres. The vines, now 34 years old, dig deep into chalk, clay, and limestone—a trifecta of complexity that defines great terroir in this part of the world.

Patrimonio itself made history as the first French appellation to ban synthetic chemical weedkillers in its AOC rules. This is wine from a place that takes its terroir seriously, where five different winds sweep across the vineyards, and the Mediterranean influence is impossible to escape in the glass.

Why You'll Love It

• Hyper-Rarity: Unavailable outside of Europe, this is your only chance to taste what Corsican insiders and Parisians—who flock to any tasting Antoine-Marie or his dad attend—keep for themselves. Light ruby colored, defined by roses, bitter cherries, raspberry, and maquis (garrigue) in the nose, it’s medium-bodied and packed with charisma.
  

• The maquis in a glass: An intoxicating blend of wild herbs from roasted hillsides buffeted by sea air, maquis defines Corsican terroir and infuses this wine, making this unlike any other Sangiovese in the world. It’s not a Brunello—it’s uniquely Corsican, with the finesse that comes from limestone soil.
  

• Biodynamic purity: From vines that have never known chemicals, farmed with a near-spiritual devotion. This is an honest expression of place.
  

• Know-How and Terroir of a Family Dynasty: Antoine-Marie represents the future of Corsican wine, building on his father's legendary foundation while adding his own gentle touch in the cellar. Rescued from obscurity and rooted in limestone, he gives his Nielluccio vines the honor they deserve.

How to Serve It

• Serve at cellar temperature, 58-62°F, in Burgundy stems.
  

• Decant for 30 minutes to let the aromatics fully emerge.
  

• Drink now through 2030—this has the structure for a nice bottle evolution.
  

• Pair with roast leg of lamb studded with garlic and herbes de Provence, and grilled vegetables with Corsican or Ligurian olive oil.