Ministre Impérial 2020 Comte Abbatucci | Corsica

Domaine Comte Abbatucci's Ministre Impérial is one of the "Collection cuvées" from this wine estate in southern Corsica, near Ajaccio. A true tribute to the richness of the island's vineyards, this unique cuvée is made from a rare blend of seven native grape varieties: Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, Carcaghjolu Neru, Montanaccia, Morescono, Morescola and Aléatico. The grapes come from vines planted between 1960 and 1962 on granitic arena soils in a particularly cool terroir, which brings tension and vivacity to the wine. Rooted in Corsican tradition for more than a century, the wine estate cultivates its vines with a deep respect for the terroir, using biodynamic viticultural practices adapted to the climate and soils. Winemaking is based on rigorous sorting in several stages, retaining only the most perfect bunches. The harvest, which is neither destemmed nor crushed, is vinified with its indigenous yeasts in truncated cone-shaped vats, extracting with finesse and elegance the specific characteristics of each grape variety. Ageing takes place in foudre and demi-muid for 12 months, followed by a second ageing in stainless steel vats for several months. Light filtration may be carried out before bottling, where the wine rests for at least 6 months before leaving the cellar.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Domaine Comte Abbatucci's Ministre Impérial is a remarkable ambassador for Corsica's wine heritage. Its authentic expression is marked by great depth and freshness. This cuvée reveals perfect ripeness, remarkable precision in the blending of grape varieties, and aromatic complexity that give it an elegance rare in the region. Its ageing potential is remarkable, allowing the wine to evolve with finesse and gain in intensity over the years.

The nose reflects the complexity of the blend of Corsican grape varieties and the minerality of the soils. The cuvée reveals an intense bouquet combining aromas of fresh rosemary and sandalwood, lavender and wild fennel. A hint of fresh tomato and spice adds a slightly acidic, invigorating touch.

On the palate, this cuvée offers an impressive complexity that perfectly illustrates the terroir of Corsica. The tannins are remarkably fine, underlining the precision of the structure. Spices, wild herbs and mineral notes blend harmoniously in the ample body, leading to a chiselled, powerful finish, full of vivacity.