2020 Domaine Giudicelli, Patrimonio Blanc

Muriel Giudicelli farms Vermentinu in Patrimonio, at the base of Cap Corse, where Corsica’s limestone, schist, granite and clay meet Mediterranean wind. Her estate is certified biodynamic, and the vineyard work is unusually exacting for the island: multiple passes at harvest, native varieties and small production from about 10.5 hectares.

The blanc is 100% Vermentinu from vines averaging around 25 years old, aged 11 months on the lees in stainless steel. That detail matters because Vermentinu can turn broad in warm Mediterranean sites. Here the lees give shape, while the coastal exposure and soils keep the wine dry, herbal and bracing. Citrus, pear skin, fennel and sea salt, with enough grip for grilled fish, shellfish, olives or roast chicken with herbs.