Diplomate d'Empire Blanc VdF 2024

A dry white wine of depth and length that does without opulence. Citrus fruit, yellow apple and white blossom sit alongside the herbal spice of the Corsican maquis, held together by mineral tension.

Domaine Abbatucci lies at 150 metres above sea level in the Taravo valley in the heart of Corsica. The vines grow on granitic sandy soils with a natural north and northeast exposure, from which the wines draw their freshness and tension. Jean-Charles Abbatucci took over the estate in 1992, converted it to biodynamic farming in 2000 and obtained Demeter certification in 2005. Ploughing is done with a horse, a flock of sheep provides ground cover and organic fertilisation, preparations made from medicinal herbs and minerals strengthen the vines, and all work follows Maria Thun's biodynamic calendar.

The blend combines Vermentino, known as Rolle in Corsica, with Brustiano and Bianco Gentile. These two rarities come from the ampelographic collection that Antoine Abbatucci established in the 1960s, when he saved eighteen indigenous Corsican varieties from extinction. The grapes are hand-picked into small crates, followed by meticulous selection in the cellar. The Diplomate d'Empire belongs to the Collection series, named after personalities of the Abbatucci family.

Dry, at 13.5 percent alcohol, juicy and taut. The herbal notes of wild immortelle, fennel and wild lavender return, with a long, salty finish.

Biodynamic farming with Demeter certification, whose logo appears on the label. Brustiano and Bianco Gentile are rarities barely found outside this collection.