I love producers that innovate. Bibi Graetz is an inspired story that has been a revelation since he began winemaking in 2000. In literally the storybook setting of a medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, Bibi Graetz creates each wine at this storied estate overlooking Florence. Bibi started with a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole. Since his first release in 2000 Bibi has become one of Tuscany’s cult winemakers without having any formal training in winemaking. His Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success. Today Bibi source’s from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio. His wines are crafted from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites wines.
I was totally blown away with the new wines that I tasted. The 2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine (OB, 96) posting a very long finish and really good core of red and dark fruits with wonderfully rustic tones. Even better was the 2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine (OB, 98) which is a downright sumptuous blend of 80% Sangiovese with equal parts Canaiolo and Colorino. Do not miss out on these sensational new wines that are perfect for any serious collector of Italian wines. Learn more about these gorgeous new wines at http://www.bibigraetz.com Here are the incredible new release wines by Bibi Graetz.
2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine- I’ll admit that I’m a bit surprised how beautiful the 2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ red wine shows in its youth. Fresh and vibrant with a sterling sense of minerality, gobs of minerals greet you with pretty red fruits, menthol, bulls blood and shades of boysenberry cobbler. Complex and utterly delightful to savor at this stage in its development, the incredible 2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ will enjoy decades of life in front of it. Drink 2020-2035- 96
2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine- The 2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ red wine flirts with perfection. It is extremely soft once on the mouth as the pillowy texture really impresses. With refined tannins, wild blackberries mingle with tobacco leaf, fresh thyme and shades of blood orange zest all mingle with copious minerals and wet stone undertones. The length is truly astonishing here, as this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades to come. Give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2022-2040- 98