Why it matters
The producer
The name Sant'Armettu comes from a hermit in Corsican tradition associated with healing plants. Gilles Seroin took over the vineyard in 1995, left the cooperative model, and began bottling independently.
Jeanne and Guillaume, Gilles's daughter and son, have since joined the family business. The range includes Rosumarinu Rouge, Burghese Rouge, Burghese Blanc and L'Ermite Rouge.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The vines sit on hillsides in southern Corsica, overlooking the Gulf of Propriano and Bay of Tizzano. Hillside vineyards generally shed excess water more readily than flat ground, while open slopes can expose vines to moving air. Sant'Armettu's setting is defined by sloping ground and views across two bodies of water.
Wines to know
The range in view
Rosumarinu Rouge is the introductory red, made to present Sant'Armettu's style with concentration and aromatic intensity. Burghese Rouge and Burghese Blanc form the oak aged pair. The red spends 30 months in demi muids followed by 6 months in bottle, while the white has a fleshy dimension after oak ageing.
L'Ermite Rouge is the named red that showcases Sciacarellu. Its place in the range also brings the estate's granite based terroir into view.