The name Abbatucci resonates with citizens of Corsica on par with their homegrown son, Napoléon Bonaparte. In fact, General Jean-Charles Abbatucci was one of the famed emperor’s right hands and also served as a hero of the French Revolution. Today, his domaine is run by his direct descendant and namesake, Jean-Charles Abbatucci. Just south of the capital city of Ajaccio, Jean-Charles practices strict, certified biodynamic viticulture and nurtures a thriving ecosystem that results in the finest terroir-driven grapes on the island. Several decades ago, he planted his vineyards from cuttings of historic, high elevation vineyards that were found deep in the island’s mountains. The effort saved many native varietals from being lost forever. A true Corsican treasure, he not only nurtures his vines with conscientious viticulture, but he also traverses the vineyards with a loudspeaker and serenades the vines with Corsican folk songs, which he feels keeps them happy and inspired. His vines are almost a living history on the island.

Roughly 200 miles off the coast of Provence in the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is a mountainous island that boasts a food and wine culture of both Italian and French heritage thanks to its tumultuous past. One of the most important Corsican appellations is Ajaccio, which is named for the capital city on the western side of the island. Abbatucci is the most widely celebrated producer in Corsica and their wines grace almost every wine list on the island. This Cuvée Faustine Rosé is derived from the indigenous Sciaccarellu varietal, which is planted on pure granite soils and results in stunningly focused minerality. The grapes are picked by hand, then gently pressed into stainless steel tanks where they are slowly fermented at cool temperatures. The wine only picks up a small amount of color due to the brief skin contact. The result is magical every year, and the 2015 vintage is no exception.

The 2015 Cuvée Faustine Rosé displays a light salmon pink core with slight green hues on the rim. The complex, fragrant nose reveals aromas of fresh white peach skin, pomegranate seeds, wet white roses, orange peel, kaffir lime and watermelon pith. The medium-bodied palate has a compact and dense mineral presence and concludes with endless layers of fresh white peach, preserved lime, citrus and finely crushed minerals. The wine is simply perfect with any grilled food from of the ocean. Most rosé should be consumed within about one year of production, but as one of the world’s great rosés, this wine will be delicious for the next five years or more. This beauty benefits from a brief 30-45 minute decant when young. Serve at roughly 50 degrees from a large Burgundy or Bordeaux stem for optimal results. This is a wine that should be the center of attention at your next Sunday afternoon gathering alongside some serious seafood and your best friends. Although divine with grilled fish or poached salmon, this traditional Bouillabaisse (seafood stew) recipe will seriously inspire as a pairing partner.