Domaine Giudicelli Patrimonio Rouge 2020

$69.99

Only 11 left!

Alcohol: 13.5%

Grape(s): 100% Niellucciu

Location: Patrimonio, Corsica, USA

Tasting Notes: The Domaine Giudicelli Patrimonio Rouge opens with aromas of black fruits layered with spice box, pepper, violet, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a fresh and elegant expression of Niellucciu, marked by raspberry and spice with a character reminiscent of Tuscan reds. The finish is smooth and velvety, supported by balanced acidity and fine tannins that give the wine both structure and finesse. Overall, it is a savory, classic, and terroir-driven Corsican red that captures the essence of Patrimonio.

Notes

Food pairing: It is a versatile Corsican red that pairs beautifully with robust and flavorful dishes. Its structure and depth make it an ideal match for grilled lamb, beef, or game meats, where the wine’s spice and tannins complement savory richness. It also shines alongside Mediterranean cuisine, from roasted vegetables to tomato-based pasta, especially when seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme that echo the wine’s earthy notes. For cheese pairings, it harmonizes with aged pecorino or traditional Corsican sheep’s milk cheese, highlighting the wine’s balance of fruit and savory character.

Winery Story: Muriel Giudicelli’s family ties to Corsica run deep, even though she spent much of her childhood abroad while her parents worked as teachers around the world. Each return to the island for vacations strengthened her bond with its landscapes and traditions. Her maternal great-grandfather had cultivated vines for family use in the 1950s, and her father’s love of wine further nurtured her appreciation for the craft. These influences instilled in her a respect for the land and a passion that would eventually shape her life’s work.

In 1996, she took over five hectares of old vines from a retiring winemaker in Patrimonio, a region celebrated for its limestone, clay, granite, and schist soils. The following year she officially established Domaine Giudicelli, beginning modestly but with a clear vision: to honor Corsican traditions while embracing organic and biodynamic farming. To refine her skills, she trained with small domaines across France and apprenticed under Antoine Arena, one of Corsica’s most respected vignerons known for his natural, terroir-driven wines.

Over time, the estate grew to about ten to twelve hectares, planted with Corsica’s emblematic grapes, Niellucciu and Vermentinu. Since 2012, the domaine has been certified biodynamic, aligning with Patrimonio’s ambition to become Europe’s first entirely organic appellation. Muriel emphasizes gentle vinification, producing reds with fine tannins, expressive whites, and Muscats that capture aromatic richness, all crafted to reflect the island’s unique character.

Her dedication has earned her recognition as one of France’s top fifty winemakers, a testament to her authenticity and commitment. She sees herself as an ambassador for Patrimonio, raising the profile of Corsican wines internationally while remaining true to her island roots. Muriel Giudicelli’s journey is remarkable because she is a first-generation winemaker who built her domaine from scratch, guided by family tradition, mentorship, and a profound love for Corsica. Her wines are not merely bottles of drink but living expressions of the island’s rugged beauty, crafted with patience and respect for nature.