Ministre Impérial 2024 Comte Abbatucci | Corsica

The Ministre Impérial cuvée of the Count Abbatucci estate stands out as one of the “Collection” wines from this estate in Southern Corsica, near Ajaccio. A true tribute to the richness of the island’s vineyards, this unique cuvée is crafted from a rare blend of seven indigenous grape varieties: Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, Carcaghjolu Neru, Montanaccia, Morescono, Morescola, and Aléatico. The grapes come from vines planted between 1960 and 1962 on granitic sandy soils in a particularly cool terroir, which lends the wine tension and liveliness. Rooted in Corsican tradition for over a century, the estate cultivates its vineyards with deep respect for the terroir, using biodynamic methods and favoring natural practices adapted to the climate and soils. Winemaking relies on rigorous sorting in several stages, retaining only the most perfect clusters. The harvest, left whole-cluster and uncrushed, is vinified with its native yeasts in truncated-cone tanks, which allows the unique characteristics of each grape variety to be extracted with finesse and elegance. Aging takes place in large oak casks and demi-muids for 12 months, followed by a second aging period in stainless steel tanks for several months. Light filtration may be performed before bottling, after which the wine rests for at least 6 months before being released from the cellar.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Domaine Comte Abbatucci’s “Le Ministre Impérial” is a remarkable ambassador for Corsica’s winemaking heritage. Its authentic expression is marked by great depth and beautiful freshness. This cuvée reveals perfect maturity, remarkable precision in the blend of grape varieties, and an aromatic complexity that lends it a rare elegance for the region. It has notable aging potential, allowing the wine to evolve with finesse and gain intensity over the years.

The nose reflects the complexity of the Corsican grape blend and the minerality of the soils. The cuvée unveils an intense bouquet blending aromas of fresh rosemary and sandalwood, lavender, and wild fennel. A hint of fresh tomato and spices adds a slightly tart and invigorating touch.

On the palate, this cuvée offers impressive complexity that perfectly illustrates the Corsican terroir. The tannins are remarkably refined, highlighting the precision of the structure. Spices, wild herbs, and mineral notes blend harmoniously within the full-bodied wine, leading to a finely crafted and powerful finish, full of liveliness.