One of the famed producers of Tuscany that is known for consistency regardless of vintage, 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 inTuscany 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 ‘Colore’ Bianco (WWB, 95) has a seamless texture and massive range, all leading to an incredible, one of a kind finish. Even better was the 2016 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine (WWB, 96) which is a head-turning 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’ Bianco- The 2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Bianco is a stunning new white wine from this famed estate. This highly novel white wine is sourced from old vine (100%) Ansonica from Island of Giglio, 90 year-old vineyards which are set on granite and sand soil with a Goblet training system. The texture of the wine and bright salinity really shines here as ripe melon and pear flavors mingle with the wonderful sense of brightness and citrus blossom undertones. Fantastic right now, this will evolve well for at least a decade, picking up lovely tertiary notes as it ages. Drink 2019-2029- 93
2018 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Bianco- Comprised of the Ansonica varietal (100% ), 900 bottles of this wine were produced. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Pietrabona Vineyard on the Island of Giglio, a terraced vineyard situated on the southwest part of the island, facing the sea at an altitude between 200 and 500 feet. Showing off its deep, golden hue, the wine opens with an intense bouquet of honeydew melon, ripe pear, and shades of salted nectarine with hazelnut undertones that all mingle in the glass. The palate reveals a scintillating texture with intense melon, citrus zest and baked apple flavors. The finish lasts for more than a minute. Electrifying and novel, this magical wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2035- 95
2016 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Sangiovese- Made from 100% old vine Sangiovese, the ‘Testamatta’ or ‘Crazy Head’ was sourced from five separate vineyards, with vines up to 80 years of age. The nose screams top old world Sangiovese with its sour cherry, cigar box and dried herb profile that mingles with shades of blood orange zest that all combine marvelously in the glass. The palate is impeccably balanced, with racy salinity and a wonderful high-toned vibrancy to the wine. Ripe red fruits mingle with the leather, damp earth and citrus zest tones to all entice on the mouth. Silky smooth, this finishes long with red fruits and minerals. While fantastic in its youth, this beautiful and elegant wine could benefit from a few more years in the bottle. Drink 2021-2038- 95
2016 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine- The ‘Colore’ is a silky blend of 80% Sangiovese with equal parts Canaiolo and Colorino. This barrel selection wine is sourced from quite different districts (Lamole in Chianti Classico, Vincigliata near Florence and Siena province in the southern part of Tuscany). There is a marvelous purity of fruit aromatically with the intense red fruits that collide with suggestions of tar, leather, and dusty terroir that take their shape in the glass. The palate is exceedingly refined with velvety tannins and a downright sexy texture. Rich red and dark fruits dance with the mouth-watering acidity, minerals, cigar ash, and shades of white pepper infused cocoa powder on the palate. Exceedingly good in its youth, this beautiful wine will only gets better with time. Drink 2021-2040- 96