Ministre Impérial VdF 2020

The Ministre Impérial is the qualitative pinnacle among Abbatucci's red wines. The nose leads straight into the garrigue: rosemary, lavender, thyme and pine grove, followed by mulberry, cassis, raspberry and elderberry. Floral notes of hibiscus and violet emerge, with juniper, red pepper, melted milk chocolate and roasted coffee beans in the background.

The vines grow in the Taravo valley at 150 metres above sea level, on granitic sandy soils with a natural north and north-east exposure. Jean-Charles Abbatucci has farmed the twenty hectares biodynamically since 2000, Demeter-certified since 2005: ploughing by horse rather than tractor, a flock of sheep for cover crop grazing, preparations made from medicinal herbs, all work carried out according to Maria Thun's biodynamic calendar.

The cuvée brings together Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, Aléaticu, Morescono, Montanaccia and Carcajolo Nero. These varieties trace back to the collection with which Antoine Abbatucci saved eighteen Corsican varietals from extinction in the 1960s. The must stays on the skins for several weeks, with the cap regularly punched down and pumped over. Aged in conical vats and, additionally, in small oak barrels; after about a year the wine is blended together in stainless steel tank.

The entry is smooth and fine as silk, entirely shaped by minerality. The tannin stays compact and well held in check, bitter notes support the fruit, and a saline quality gives it lift, lending the wine a cool impression despite its 14.5% ABV. In the mid-palate it alternates between compactness and softness, the fruit taking on a subtly lactic character. On the finish, white pepper and ethereal spice.

Braised leg of lamb, stuffed with goat cheese and dried fruit, served with rosemary potatoes. Also excellent with beef entrecôte with butter beans and white tomato foam or, as a vegetarian option, gnocchi with sage butter and ricotta.

A red wine made from Corsican varieties preserved over two generations of the Abbatucci family through collection and cultivation. The label carries the Demeter logo.