Domaine Abbatucci Diplomate d’Empire Blanc 2023 (750ML)

Five indigenous Corsican grapes make up Domaine Comte Abbatucci’s Diplomate d’Empire Blanc: Vermentinu leads, with Rossola Bianca, Biancu Gentile, Genovese and Brustiano completing the blend. They grow on a 2-hectare plot planted between 1960 and 1962 on granite in the Taravo Valley of southern Corsica, farmed biodynamically. The cuvée honors a childhood friend of Napoléon who served the Empire as a diplomat in Naples and fought at his side at Waterloo. Vinified in stainless steel, the wine is aged in older 600-liter demi-muids. In 2023 a humid spring gave way to a hot, sunny summer, and a late-August heatwave hurried ripening, cutting yields while concentrating the fruit. That shows in a broad, generous texture and ripe yellow fruit, kept lively by a firm mineral freshness. Pour it with roast pork and fennel, saffron risotto or chicken braised with lemon and olives.