Domaine de Torraccia combines Corsican tradition with an international outlook
Domaine de Torraccia is a unique wine-growing estate in Corsica, which was founded in the 1960s. Since its beginnings, the domaine has combined the best of Corsican tradition with a dynamic, international outlook, while following the principles of sustainable agriculture.
- (1888PressRelease) September 22, 2010 - "I want to continue capturing the Corsican soul with my wines, and reflect the spirit of contrast that is found on the island. Corsica is a wild place, and our wines are similar to our people. There is a real generosity of spirit in Corsica, which is reflected in our wines," says Marc Imbert, owner of the Torraccia estate.
Marc Imbert's father, Christian Imbert, founded the estate. He moved to Corsica in the early 1960s, with the aim of setting up a vineyard that would make authentic wines. Specificially, Christian Imbert wanted to preserve the island's indigenous grape varieties. The domaine uses traditional methods, but is also based on the principles of sustainable agricultural practices, while organic principles are implemented at every stage of production. No pesticides are used - only natural yeasts - and regular ploughing is adhered to.
The location of the vineyard offers perfect conditions for winegrowing: at an altitude of 250 metres above sea level, it is in an excellent position. The vines benefit from the cool air coming down from the mountains, as well as from the rising sea breeze. (The Corsican hinterland is mountainous and rugged.) As a result, Domaine de Torraccia wines offer more contrast and are fresher than wines produced in the south-east of mainland France, despite the apparent similarities that exist between the two regions.
While he respects and cherishes Corsican traditions, Marc Imbert also has the advantage of a wide-ranging experience - much of it acquired outside Europe. Indeed, in the early stages of his career, he spent about 15 years living and working in California, mainly in Napa Valley. This has given him a more international outlook. Marc Imbert, however, remains true to his father's vision of what the vineyard should be.
The wines produced by the domaine are organic, which translates into a higher cost. However, Marc Imbert is confident that, if put alongside other organic wines, the prices of Domaine de Torraccia wines compare very favourably. In the UK, Domaine de Torraccia is, typically, targeting a knowledgeable category of consumer - someone who is willing to learn more about wine, and is happy to spend a bit more money for a quality product.
The domaine produces a range of interesting wines. The red wines are very authentic and specific to the region. The Vermentinu, a white wine, goes very well with Asian cuisine and Indian food, such as curries. Marc Imbert points out that, in Corsica, such wines are traditionally served with grilled fish. The rosés are made from Sciaccarellu grapes and reflect the island's fresh climate, which gives them an edge and a crisp quality. As such, they are different to the Provence-style rosés that many British consumers may be familiar with. They are very popular with tourists who come to Corsica in the summer.
Domaine de Torraccia has been working in partnership with Yapp Brothers on the British market since 2005. The British company has proved a good match for Domaine de Torraccia and was recently voted one of the best speciality wine merchants in the UK.
Domaine de Torraccia is currently exporting to the Far East (Japan), to North America (Quebec), and to various European countries apart from the UK (Denmark, Luxembourg and Switzerland, among others).
"There is a real demand for authentic wines, with people reacting against the trend for standardisation, whereby all wines taste the same. We offer something very different, and that is the appeal of our wines," says Marc Imbert, who is justifiably proud of his estate's quality and original output.
For further information about Torraccia wines, please go to: http://domainedetorraccia.blogspot.com/
About CIVC
Domaine de Torraccia was one of the estates featured on 17 May 2010, on the occasion of the successful wine tasting organised by CIVC, the Corsican winegrowers' trade association, in conjunction with the French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE, at La Trouvaille, the well-known restaurant in central London.
CIVC, i.e. CIV-Corse (where CIV stands for Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins), the Inter-Professional Wine Board for the region of Corsica, is headquartered in Bastia and was set up in 1996. CIVC represents a range of wines produced across the French island-region of Corsica. More particularly, the AOC wines of Corsica, which are part of CIVC, are unique and have no equivalent in mainland France.
For further information about CIVC, please go to: www.vinsdecorse.com
For further information, please contact :
Note ref. : FTPB3445
Ms Mary-Ann WILLIAMS - Press Officer
UBIFRANCE Press Office in London
Tel: +44 (0) 207 024 3640
mary-ann.williams ( @ ) ubifrance dot fr
View other press releases at :
http://www.ubifrance.com/uk/
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