The Producer
Born in Florence to a family of artists,Bibi Graetzwas not destined for wine but for painting. It was at the end of the 1990s that he decided to vinify the old family vines located on the heights of Fiesole, overlooking Florence. Very quickly, his intuitive and sensitive approach captivated international critics. From the very first vintages, his cuvées became cult classics, imposing a unique style in Tuscany, counter to the technical standards of the time.
The estate relies on an exceptional heritage of old vines, sometimes over a hundred years old, mainly planted around Fiesole and on the island of Giglio. The soils combine galestro and alberese, typical of Tuscany, bringing tension and complexity to the wines. The king grape variety is Sangiovese, but Bibi Graetz also works with Canaiolo and Colorino, favoring very old plots cultivated by small owners. The vinifications are carried out with great precision, often in open barrels, in order to preserve the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.
Today, the estate is recognized as one of the most iconic producers in Tuscany. Cuvées such as Testamatta or Colore are among the most sought-after Italian wines by enthusiasts around the world. True to his artistic spirit, Bibi Graetz continues to seek elegance, finesse, and energy rather than power, giving birth to vibrant wines, deeply marked by their origin and with a strong aging potential.
The Wine
100% Sangiovese
Vines aged 35 to 50 years
Medium soil rich in galestro and clay
Goblet and Guyot
Natural fermentation in open barrels
6 to 8 manual pump-overs per day
20 months of aging
Tasting
Intense ruby color with garnet reflections, the nose opens with black cherry, wild raspberry, and violet, enhanced by notes of orange peel, black tea, and sweet spices.
The palate is broad and silky, driven by vibrant fruit and a fine tannic structure, with an energy and freshness that perfectly balance the concentration.
The finish, long and saline, reveals nuances of graphite and Mediterranean herbs, promising a very good aging potential.
Press Notes
18/20
Jancis Robinson
98
James Suckling
96
Wine Advocate