Domaine Abbatucci - Faustine Blanc 2025
In the Taravo valley, south of Ajaccio, Domaine Comte Abbatucci has been carrying out essential work around Corsican viticultural heritage for several decades. Jean-Charles Abbatucci cultivates a mosaic of island grape varieties in an environment where the vines border maquis, meadows, and granite reliefs. The estate has been managed biodynamically for over twenty years, with particular attention paid to soil vitality and the natural balance of the plots. The granite arenas give the wines a fine texture, persistent freshness, and that stony sensation often accompanying whites from the southern part of the island. Created at the birth of Faustine, Jean-Charles Abbatucci's daughter, this cuvée forms the heart of the family range. Its white version highlights the Vermentino, called Vermentinu in Corsica, in an interpretation that is both aromatic and precise. The wine's identity relies less on power and more on a delicate progression between fruit, flowers, texture, and minerality.
Faustine Blanc 2025 is made exclusively from Vermentino sourced from old vines rooted in granite arenas. The grapes are hand-harvested, then pressed directly, either whole cluster or after destemming depending on their maturity and sanitary condition. The juices are then naturally settled for twenty-four to forty-eight hours before the start of alcoholic fermentation. This takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic clarity and natural freshness of the grape variety. The wine continues its aging on lees for six months, a period that brings volume and a more enveloping texture without masking its island character. Natural tartaric stabilization by cold precedes filtration and bottling. The 2025 vintage thus delivers a dry, bright, and balanced white, capable of being appreciated in its youth while gaining nuances after a few years.
The color shows a bright pale yellow, crossed with slight golden reflections. The nose opens with white flowers, fresh pear, and peach, then evolves towards wild fennel, anise, and citrus zest. Upon aeration, notes of almond, orange blossom, and a discreet touch of maquis herbs appear. The palate begins softly, supported by a delicately rich texture from aging on lees. A mineral tension gradually develops, balancing the ripeness of the white fruits, while fine bitterness adds relief to the finish. The whole maintains great freshness, with persistence on lemon, anise, and wet stone. Faustine Blanc will accompany grilled fish, shellfish, sea bream tartare, langoustines, herbaceous vegetable dishes, or a soft Corsican cheese.
Grape variety: 100% Vermentino
