Perched 100m high in the Taravo Valley in southern Corsica lies Jean-Charles Abbatucci's 20 hectares of vines. Founded in the 1920s by Jacques Abbatucci, this is one of the oldest domains on the island. An incredible 18 different native grape varieties are cultivated: besides the famous Vermentino, Sciacarello and Nielluccio, Jean-Charles has a mosaic of endemic varieties planted in his vineyards that few others can lay claim to (Aleatico, Carcajolo Nera, Minustello, Morescola, Morescono, Montanaccia…). The domain has a biodynamic approach and the vineyards are laid to grass. A flock of sheep graze amongst the vines during winter and harvests are always carried out by hand. In the chai, vinification is a “hands off' affair and the resulting wines are prized for their finesse, elegance and freshness. A true touchstone of wines from this fascinating region.

The Abbatucci family has a lineage they should be very proud of, with Jacques Pierre Charles Abbatucci being appointed Minister of Justice during the Second French Empire. Jean Charles Abbatucci, his distant ancestor, pays tribute to him with this cuvée, which is produced on a single parcel that was planted in the 1960s. This particular plot is home to a multitude of flourishing indigenous grape varieties, preserved by Antoine Abbatucci, who had feared that this great vine diversity would disappear as Corsica urbanised. Ministre Impérial is a combination of the following seven local grape varieties: Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, Carcajolu-Neru, Montanaccia, Morescono, Morescola and Aleatico, all of which are biodynamically farmed. The grapes are vinified using the traditional grape-stomping method before being left to macerate for 15 days, during which time the indigenous yeast begins to ferment the wine. This is then followed by a maturation period of several months in demi-muids (600-litre) barrels.
The Ministre Impérial evokes a bouquet of spices and garrigue, with notes of red currants, cherries and raspberries. On the palate, this wine has a full and sappy body with resolved tannins and a deliciously long finish. A little Corsican gem, to be enjoyed with roast quail with chestnuts.