Talented, generous, and tight-knit—that’s the Arena family. French people often joke about Corsicans being lazy (I think many are just jealous that Corsicans live on a little piece of paradise in the sea), yet one look at the Arena family should lay that notion to rest for good. Antoine Arena took over the family farm in 1976 equipped with only a donkey and an old tractor, but with his vision, twinkle-in-the-eye charm, and tireless efforts he brought long-lost recognition and acclaim to Patrimonio. In addition to fine-tuning to perfection his natural approach in both the cellar and vineyards over the years, he repeatedly pounded the pavement in Paris, working the shops and restaurants that counted back in the day, getting his foot in the door and wines on the lists when people had no interest in what Corsica had to offer.
     His sons, Antoine-Marie and Jean-Baptiste, joined the domaine after Antoine’s reputation was firmly established, yet they were in no mood to simply ride the wave and rest on the laurels of their father’s work. Looking beyond the family farm at the bigger picture all around them, they started by teaming up with the younger generations of all the Patrimonio estates, working together to get every single grower to ban synthetic herbicides from their soils. They’ve worked hard to safeguard local Corsican culture, all the while keeping the village of Patrimonio inclusive and vibrant. Jean-Baptiste, mayor of the village for the last twelve years and running, has helped make many of these gains official and sustainable.
     In the meantime, the brothers continue to work their vines and fine-tune the precision in the cellar, working together yet labeling the parcels they manage with their own names. The Carco is lush and maquis-infused, with a mineral backbone that keeps it dangerously drinkable. The red Morta Maiò is dark and earthy, a touch rustic but with Antoine’s signature silken, smooth texture. In the mood for some saline island blanc? If you like the richer side of the spectrum, with sun-soaked ripe fruit, go for the Morta Maiò blanc, but if crystalline and floral is what you’re after, try the delicate Biancu Ghjentile.