Toscana Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2016

Domaine History

Bibi Graetz, based in Fiesole near Florence, is renowned for his artistic, non-conventional approach to winemaking. Working with some of Tuscany’s oldest high-altitude Sangiovese vines, Graetz crafts Testamatta (“crazy head”), his flagship wine, as a pure and elegant expression of this noble grape variety. Focused on minimal intervention, the estate highlights terroir, tradition, and creativity.

Terroir

Testamatta is made from old Sangiovese vines, some up to 80 years old, planted on rocky galestro soils across high-altitude plots in Tuscany. These cool, elevated sites offer excellent exposure and significant day-to-night temperature variation, preserving freshness, complexity, and aromatic precision.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle fermentation with indigenous yeasts in open-top barriques and stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for about 20 months in French oak barrels (minimal new oak), followed by additional bottle aging to enhance finesse and expressive purity of fruit.

Tasting Notes

Dark red with black edges and a bright red hue. The nose is fragrant, dominated by rose petals evolving into ripe and dried red cherries and red currants. Earthy aromas combine with light tobacco, black pepper, fresh herbs, and spicy cedar wood. The palate feels weightless yet powerful, featuring a mix of red and dark cherries, currants, and an appealing spice. Complexity deepens with notes of cedar, forest floor, and dried herbs. Freshness and muscular yet finely drawn tannins lead to a powerful, refined, and persistent finish.

A pure, elegant Sangiovese with energy, balance, and aromatic depth—Testamatta 2016 is a brilliant expression of Tuscany’s terroir with superb aging potential.

Pairing

Perfect with roasted poultry, lamb, pasta with tomato-based sauces, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano.