The History of the Comte Abbatucci Estate

Whether as a general in the French Revolution, a diplomat or a minister during the reign of Napoleon III, the Abbatucci family boasts great men who have left their mark on history through their extraordinary lives. The family estate pays tribute to them with its iconic and exclusive Cuvées Collection. The Abbatucci estate’s winemaking history dates back over a century. Generation after generation has passed down the family heritage and expertise.

In the 1960s, Antoine Abbatucci, Jean-Charles’s father and then President of the Corsican Chamber of Agriculture, became aware of the threat facing his island as he witnessed life and culture disappearing from the mountain villages. He therefore decided to establish a conservatory for the island’s indigenous grape varieties, a true treasure of Corsica’s wine-growing heritage. Eighteen varieties were thus planted on a single plot of granite-sand hillside.

But it was his son Jean-Charles, a biodynamic winegrower, who recognised the true value of this goldmine, whilst inspiring the leading Corsican winegrowers to embrace a return to the cultivation of traditional grape varieties.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

The Comte Abbatucci estate is located in Southern Corsica, in the heart of the Taravo Valley. It covers 18 hectares of granite-rich hillsides at an altitude of around 100 metres.

The vineyard consists mainly of iconic grape varieties such as Vermentino, Sciacarello and Nielluccio. It also boasts a unique collection of 18 endemic grape varieties, which today constitutes a true treasure within the island’s wine-growing heritage.

Harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand at the Comte Abbatucci estate. During winemaking, only indigenous yeasts are used. Planting density is 3,500 vines per hectare. Permanent, natural grass cover is maintained between the rows. Soil cultivation is carried out within the rows. The vines are pruned using the double Royat cordon method. Furthermore, a consultant oenologist oversees the biodynamic practices. The flock of ewes (treated with homeopathic remedies) grazes in the vineyards during the winter.

Biodynamics

Since the year 2000, the Comte Abbatucci estate has been practising biodynamic agriculture. The estate’s production methods are thus dedicated to preserving the unique and distinctive flavours of the Corsican terroir, whilst respecting nature and the soil. This approach helps to regenerate the soil and the plants. The timing of work is determined by the lunar cycles and the time of day. The estate uses preparations made from plants and minerals. On living soil and with respect for the environment, the vineyard produces healthy, balanced grapes which, once vinified, convey all the aromas of the Corsican maquis (immortelle and myrtle in particular).

A few photos of the Comte Abbatucci estate

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