NESTED IN EXCEPTIONAL LANDS
THE VINEYARDSThe property peacefully extends across the soft meandering of surrounding creeks. This south facing land, untouched and unaltered for centuries forges the unique character of the Campo Maggiore terroir.
The rigorous practice of an organic and biodynamic farming allows the Château to achieve the perfect balance among soil, vines and environment. The Estate is proud to have been granted the earliest certification of organic vineyard amongst the "Appelation Patrimonio Controlée" in Corsica. The shale limestone type soil resting on clay bedrock forms various stratums where the Guissani Paoli® wine’s DNA is moulded. |
A MICROCLIMATEThe balmy temperatures and seashore closeness save the vines from the frost.
The combination of atmospheric moisture and sea breeze bestows the vines with a moderate but regular hydric nutrition. This mild environment allows for the culture of the Vermentino and Niellucciu (also called Sangiovese in Tuscany, Italy). This perfect blend of richness, intensity and elegance give birth to our delicate, golden Grand Blanc®. Red wines are typically endowed with velvety tannins and tender aromas of red berries. |
AUTHENTICITYOn the renowned hillsides of Campo Maggiore, the vines, with an average age of thirty years, are hand worked and hand shaped. The grapes are harvested in “caissettes” thus allowing each berry to reach the wine warehouse fresh and intact.
The berries are individually screened, selected and squeezed. To prevent over oxygenation of the juice at this early stage the transfer of the juices to the fermentations barrels is done by gravitation. Finally, the vintages that are produced in small quantities are manually bottled with care to reach uniqueness. Bottles are stored underground in the cellars of the Château. |
AOC PATRIMONIO
The First Corsican Cru
INTRODUCTION
The French label « Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is an official quality label. It guarantees to consumers products with such characteristics: specific terroir with its inherent natural and human factors, anteriority and the fame of the viti-vinicole process. The French AOC denomination was changed to Protected Denomination of Origin (AOP) or Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) in English on 1st May 2009 by the European Union. However it is important to note that AOC is still in use in France for WINE product only.
The Appellation Patrimonio Contrôlée ensures wine traceability, high quality end product and Corsican-French know-how in terms of winemaking techniques. The AOC Patrimonio benefits from the « cru » mention that rewards the best Vineyards in Corsica. In 1968, Me Pierre De Bernardi, director of the winegrowers association, created the first Corsican AOC classement supérieur Cru. |
THE AOC CARACTERISTICS
Nowadays, the AOC PAtrimonio counts more than 420 hectares of vines and 35 wine-growers scattered on seven municipalities that make up the AOC Patrimonio area: Barbaggio, Farinole, Saint-Florent, Oletta, Poggio d’Oletta et Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda. The emblematic grappe types of the AOC are the Vermentino for white wines and the Niellucciu (Sangiovese cousin) for red wines.
The AOC Patrimonio is located in the Conca D’oro amphiteatre which is included in the National Reserve « site classé du Vignoble de Patrimonio et de la Conca d’Oro ». The most vines are grown on the Patrimonio and Oletta plains with a Mediterranean climate. However the shore proximity and the ever-present mountains attenuate summer and winter extremes temperatures. There is a large array of microclimates and topographical variations from one vineyard to another. Soils are made of granit, lime, sandstone, silice or clay. The Guissani Paoli Estate finds itself at the edge of the AOC Patrimonio and rests on shale limestone above clay bedrocks reaching towards the sea at Farinole. The Terroir of the Campo Maggiore valley meaning « Superior land » is bestowed with a mild microclimate which shapes the unity of the berry flavours. |
Organic Wine
Organic Viticulture Pioneer in Corsica
The four hectare contiguous vineyard has the feel of a bourguignon clos. It is part of the Guissani Paoli private Estate that consists of 20 hectares of oaks, maquis and olives groves. Since 1912, organic agriculture has always been practiced to keep nature at its best. This long tradition of organic farming was recognised in 1998 by the granting of the first Organic Vineyard award in Corsica. The Estate is naturally preserved by the mountains from pesticides and other possible nuisances from neighbouring non-organic vineyards.
We are proud to add that the AOC Patrimonio is on its way to become the first AOC with all its vineyards entirely organically grown and its wines organically made both in France and worldwide.
We are proud to add that the AOC Patrimonio is on its way to become the first AOC with all its vineyards entirely organically grown and its wines organically made both in France and worldwide.
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