Abbatucci

In the heart of Corsica, where the Taravo valley opens up gently between the mountains, lies an exceptional winery at an altitude of 150 metres. Domaine Abbatucci epitomises the renaissance of Corsican viticulture like no other - a story of preservation and renewal, of deep roots and bold visions. Here, on the granitic sandy soils with their natural north and north-east exposure, wines of remarkable freshness and tension are created. They not only reflect the unique terroir, but also the indomitable spirit of a family that has characterised the island's wine culture for generations.

The legacy of the ancestors - A family writes history

The history of the Domaine begins over a hundred years ago, when Jean-Charles Abbatucci's grandfather planted the first five hectares with SciaccarelluNiellucciu, Barbarossa and Carcaghjolu neru. This pioneering work laid the foundations for today's winery. But the decisive turning point came in the 1960s under Antoine Abbatucci. As president of the Corsican Chamber of Agriculture, he recognised the impending danger of standardisation through international grape varieties and the possible loss of Corsica's oenological heritage.

At a time when many winegrowers were focussing on modern varieties, Antoine created an ampelographic collection of eighteen autochthonous grape varieties - a treasure that was to prove prophetic. Among the rescued varieties are true rarities: Bianco gentile, Brustiano, Genovese and Riminese for the whites, Carcajolo Nero, Minustello and Morescono for the reds. Each of these varieties has its own history, characterised by centuries of adaptation to the Corsican terroir.

Biodynamics as a philosophy

In harmony with the cosmic forces

When Jean-Charles Abbatucci took over the estate in 1992, he began a consistent path towards natural viticulture. The decisive step was taken in 2000 with the conversion to biodynamic farming methods. Rudolf Steiner's philosophy, which places cosmic forces and natural rhythms at the centre, found its perfect implementation in Abbatucci's vineyards. Demeter certification followed in 2005 as the crowning achievement of this path.

Today, the twenty hectares of vines are treated like a living organism. Instead of heavy machinery, horse-drawn ploughs are used to gently loosen the soil and promote microbial life. A flock of sheep, treated homeopathically in the spirit of biodynamics, ensures natural greening and organic fertilisation. The use of medicinal herbs and minerals strengthens the vines in a natural way. Even the phases of the moon are taken into account - all work follows the biodynamic calendar according to Maria Thun.

This intensive care is having an effect: the soils are vital and lively, the vines healthy and resilient. The aromas of the Corsican maquis can be found in the grapes - wild immortelle, spicy myrtle, aromatic fennel and the scent of wild lavender. Hand-picking into small crates and meticulous selection in the cellar guarantee that only perfect grapes are processed.

Innovation in the service of authenticity - experimentation and a spirit of research

Jean-Charles Abbatucci's love of experimentation knows no bounds. In a unique project, he is collaborating with Bertrand Cervera, the first violinist of the Orchestre Philharmonique de France. On the Monte Bianco plot, violin melodies resound over the vines - the vibrations are intended to promote growth and strengthen the plants. "I want to give my wines a vibrant dimension with the dance of the plant," says Abbatucci, explaining his vision.

Another innovative project is the use of seawater on selected trial plots. Based on historical observations and scientific findings, Abbatucci replaces copper and sulphur with the natural power of the sea. The results are promising - the wines show a special mineral flavour and salty freshness.

Abbatucci also goes its own way when it comes to vine grafting. His chip-bud technique enables the gentle regeneration of old vines and a change of variety without uprooting. This ancestral method preserves the grown root structure and thus the connection to the terroir. Each of these innovations serves one goal: the authentic expression of the Corsican terroir.

The wines - A kaleidoscope of Corsican wine culture

Domaine Abbatucci's wine portfolio reflects the diversity of the Corsican terroir and the complexity of the autochthonous grape varieties.
grape varieties. The Faustine line, named after Jean-Charles' daughter, forms the basis. These wines epitomise the
A direct expression of the terroir - the white Faustine from Vermentino is characterised by floral notes and minerality.
Freshness, the red from Sciaccarello and Nielluccio shows the typical flavour of Corsican red wines, while the rosé is pure
radiates elegance.

One level higher are the Parcellaires, which focus on individual vineyards. The Monte Bianco, a single-varietal
Sciaccarello, demonstrates the precision of the vineyard characteristics with its fine fruit and silky tannin structure.
Valle di Nero from Carcajolo Nero surprises with its complexity and mineral tension. Old Rosso from the
Barbarossa grapes combine strength and finesse to create a unique flavour experience.

The highlight of the range is the Collection series - a tribute to the great personalities of the family
Abbatucci. The "Ministre Impérial" combines seven old red varieties (Morescola, Morescono, Aleatico, Carcajolo Nero,
Montanaccia, Sciaccarello and Nielluccio) to create a complex work of art. Its aromas of ripe red fruit,
spicy myrtle and fine woody notes are supported by a mineral structure.

The "Général de la Révolution" demonstrates the finesse of forgotten white varieties. The assemblage of Vermentino,
Rossola Brandinca, Riminese, Carcajolo Bianco, Biancone and Paga Debiti impress with their multi-layered flavours of
Lime blossom, violets and wilted mint, underpinned by a fine saltiness.

With the "Diplomate d'Empire", Abbatucci has created another white wine of character. The combination of Vermentino,
Brustiano, Bianco Gentile, Genovese and Rossola Bianca produce a wine of impressive complexity and length, which is
embodies the quintessence of the Corsican terroir.

The "Insolites" complete the portfolio with experimental vinifications. The "Empire", a traditional
Sparkling wine from Barbarossa, with an impressive finesse and creamy texture. The "Dolce Rosso" from late harvest
Aleatico grape is a fascinating dessert wine with notes of nutmeg, rose petals and cocoa.

The latest creations, Valle di Mare and Monte Mare, both from plots treated with seawater, open
a completely new chapter. They combine the salty freshness of the sea with the power of the Corsican sun to create wines of
unique embossing.

Legacy and future

Today, Domaine Abbatucci is much more than a winery - it is a living laboratory of Corsican wine culture.
Jean-Charles Abbatucci has managed not only to preserve his father's legacy, but to develop it further. His
work is inspiring a new generation of Corsican winegrowers to return to the indigenous grape varieties.

The Domaine's wines are living testimony to this renaissance. They are a fusion of tradition and innovation,
terroir expression and craftsmanship into a harmonious whole. They tell the story of an island and its
People rooted in the granite soil and animated by the wind that blows up from the Mediterranean. The spirit of Corsica lives in every sip - wild, independent and full of character.

With the next generation, represented by daughter Faustine, the future of the winery is assured. She will lead the way
The Domaine Abbatucci continues the tradition of its father, always in search of the perfect expression of the Corsican terroir. The Domaine Abbatucci
remains a beacon of Corsican viticulture, pointing the way to an authentic future.

Text © Mitya Taits
Photos © Abbatucci Winery