Domaine Comte Abbatucci : Empire

Characteristics and tasting notes for the "Empire" Domaine Comte Abbatucci

Tasting notes

Colour
The colour reveals a pale golden-yellow hue, enhanced by delicate green highlights.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the bouquet opens with aromas of yellow fruits, citrus and stone fruits, complemented by hints of dried fruit. Indulgent notes of pastry and brioche mingle with subtle mineral and peaty nuances.

Palate
The palate offers a texture that is both creamy and airy, carried by a remarkably fine effervescence. Refreshing acidity perfectly balances the fruity, yeasty and mineral flavours, extending into a persistent and elegant finish.

Food and wine pairing
With its remarkable salinity, this sparkling wine pairs perfectly with oysters or a seafood platter. It also goes wonderfully well with light appetizers such as tuna tartare, melon with ham, or grilled fish.

Service and storage
Ideal to enjoy at any point during a meal, the "Empire" reveals all its complexity as an aperitif as well as alongside delicate dishes.

Other characteristics
This sparkling wine is an Extra Brut, with a very low dosage of 4 grams per litre, allowing the purity of its aromatic profile to be fully preserved.

The mineral elegance of a great Corsican sparkling wine

The estate
Founded in 1950, Domaine Comte Abbatucci is a true institution in Corsica, renowned for its dedication to preserving the region's winegrowing heritage. Located in the south of the island, the estate spans around a hundred hectares, eighteen of which are planted with vines. Today, Jean-Charles Abbatucci runs the estate with passion, supported by his daughter Faustine. A pioneer of biodynamics, he cultivates rare indigenous grape varieties, rescued from oblivion in the 1960s, to craft distinctive cuvées deeply rooted in their terroir.

The vineyard
Nestled in the heart of the Taravo valley at 150 metres above sea level, the vineyard enjoys a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea winds. The vines grow on granitic sandy hillsides, poor soils that give the grapes a lovely mineral energy. Farmed biodynamically within a preserved ecosystem combining polyculture and livestock, this exceptional terroir gives rise to this unique Vin de France. Innovative practices, such as seawater sprays and the playing of polyphonic music, are also being tested here to stimulate the plants.

The blend
This cuvée comes from a meticulous selection of grapes grown on a historic plot planted in the early 1960s, a veritable ampelographic conservatory for the estate.

Winemaking and aging
Hand-harvested grapes in small crates are followed by gentle whole-bunch pressing. The juice is immediately separated from the skins to preserve a white colour. After static settling, alcoholic fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The base wine for the "Empire" is then aged on fine lees for around four months. Second fermentation takes place in the bottle using the traditional method, followed by aging on the lees for 24 to 36 months. After disgorgement, the wine rests for at least another six months in the cellar before release.

Grape variety
100% Barbarossa