A winery with immense quality and a relatively short but highly impressive history, Bibi Graetz taken Tuscany by storm since being founded more than twenty years ago in 2000. Graetz has a storybook setting at their medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, that is a sight to be seen. Bibi Graetz crafts each wine at this storied estate overlooking Florence. Bibi started his winery 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 famed Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success as these wines have been revered by critics across the globe. Today Bibi source’s from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio which is a remote island that has ancient indigenous vines planted. 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.
2021 saw intense heat during summer. I adore the warmth of the wines that show great mid-palate ripeness and texture. They are not for the faint of heart. The 2021 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine (OB, 95) displays some rustic tannins and refined texture with seriously good aging potential. Even better was the stunning 2019 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore Bianco’ White Wine (OB, 98) which is the finest Italian white wine that I have tasted in several years. There is nothing quite like this wine in the world. You should not miss 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.
2022 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta Bianco’ White Wine- This ‘Testamatta Bianco’ has now been made since 2016 as this site utilizes old vine Ansonica which is sourced from the remote Giglio Island. Vines up to 100 years of age for this wine are set on steep granite slopes at the Serrone Vineyard which is located in the south-eastern portion of the island. This incredibly scenic sot is facing the ocean at an altitude that ranges from 60 to 150 meters. The nose is wonderfully salty and savory. Salted peach and pear notes combine with bright honeysuckle and suggestions of wet stone all mark the nose. The palate is seamless and elegant with lovely weight and beautiful length. This is a totally stunning wine that is drinking beautifully now at the two year mark. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 95
2022 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore Bianco’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘Colore Bianco’ is a magnificent effort that is powerful, bright and finesse-driven. The wine comes from 100% Ansonica grapes which are sourced from the Island of Giglio. Set on granite, the wine comes from the Pietrabona Vineyard which is a terraced site situated on the southwest part of the island, set between 200 and 500 feet. Utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience, the wine os a Toal knockout with its texture, depth and underlying salty terroir. Wet gravel, salted nectarine, juicy white plum and suggestions of yarrow all combine on the palate. Very wild and showing serious nuance, this near minute-long finish entices with cream and copious minerals. A total stunner, the 2022 ‘Colore Bianco’ is going to satisfy for more than a decade to come — and is totally irresistible in its youth. Drink 2023-2040- 98
2021 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Testamatta’ is produced from Sangiovese, utilizing vines that are roughly 40-50 years of age. Right now this is really delicious and savory, as the ‘Testamatta’ often needs many years in the bottle to fully unravel. The shades of dark truffles really entice on the nose, alongside wild blackberry, worn leather and plenty of damp earth notes. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture and gorgeous sense of length. Really good to consume now — especially after an hour in the decanter — this beauty will surely live on for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 95
2021 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine- The totally stunning 2021 ‘Colore’ utilizes Sangiovese vines that are more than 70 years old and is mostly sourced from a cooler, high elevation site located in Lamole. Utterly fabulous after two hours in the decanter, this yields dazzling potpourri notes that mingle well with fresh orange blossom, white pepper, smoked pork shoulder and rich dark fig aromas. The palate is very soft and savory with refined tannins providing ample structure. The sense of weight and underlying poise really guides this beautiful bottling that could benefit from another year or two in the bottle. Enjoy this total stunner now and over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2025-2050- 97