Diplomate d’Empire Blanc VdF 2018

White top cuvée based on Vermentinu with the rare varieties Brustianu, Biancu Gentile, Genovese and Rossola Bianca. Production 4000 bottles. After whole cluster pressing of each variety, there is a static pre-clarification of 24 to 48 hours before the wines ferment spontaneously separately in demi-muids of 600 litres. After nine months of aging in tank on the full lees, Jean-Charles composes the cuvée from the best lots and then ages it for another two months before bottling. Diplomate impresses with intensity and elegance. The aromas of the macchia combine with peaches, pears and tropical fruits. But what makes the wine so special is its density, energy, minerality and immense length.

Pale brilliant greenish white gold

Jean-Charles Abbatucci always composes this cuvee out of Vermentinu and the rare varieties Brustiano, Bianco Gentile, Genovese and Rossola Bianca from his father's collection from the 1960ies. Intense scent of white and yellow blossoms, the herbs of the Macchia and a lot of fruit like cherimoya, fresh pears and white peaches. Then a fine acidity freshness appears and reminds of yellow gooseberries and mirabelles as well as of slightly sweetened lemons, grapefruit and lemon zest. Very multilayered and with a breath of iodine.

Enormously intense and dense with a silky texture. Immediately, a mouthwatering freshness coupled with iodine and salt appears, releasing mineral tension, underpinned by refined, peppery bitter tones, reminiscent of almonds, but also grapefruit. With the fine acidity, aromas of lemons and lightly candied lemon zest appear, then also of maquis and wild herbs. Fascinating are energy and vibration, which the Diplomate releases and which make it with its complexity to a rare experience, now still marked by youthful charm.