2020 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Rosso di Toscana IGT

Meet Bibi Graetz, the innovator reshaping the Tuscan wine scene with his visionary approach. Emerging onto the scene in 2000, this former artist swiftly transformed into a cult winemaker, now revered among the top echelon of Tuscan producers.

“Testa-Matta” in Italy is someone with a strong personality, a distinctive style, and positive attitude, and creativity. No other name could describe better Bibi Graetz flagship wine. Supertuscan made with 100% Sangiovese from old vines, this wine is the result of the combination of tradition and creativity, elevating the idea of Tuscan Sangiovese and bringing the word “Supertuscan” to the next level. Testamatta wine expresses the purity, minerality, and transparency of old-vine Sangiovese. Do you have what it takes to handle such a powerful wine?

Testamatta grapes are selected and sourced from the winery's best vineyards: Vincigliata, Londa, Lamole, Montefili, Siena. Each vineyard is harvested up to 8 times, making sure all the grapes are picked at peak ripening. The 5 vineyards, characterized by old age (up to 80 yrs) are located in different areas of Tuscany: Lamole & Montefili in the heart of Chianti Classico, Vincigliata nearby Firenze, Londa north of Firenze, towards the Rufina valley, and Siena south of Tuscany. The grapes areee hand-sorted before destemming and soft pressing. The fermentation is conducted by natural and indigenous yeasts, in open-top barriques.

Aging: 24 months in used barrique.

100% Sangiovese. This Testamatta is so generous, it is able to deliver at the same time and with extreme balance the strength of the vintage and the elegance of Sangiovese. 2016 is so surprising in the glass, with a lot a different layers, starting from the red fruit, back tea, and earth aromas and continuing with tobacco, black cherry, and leather. This Testamatta has so much personality!

Wild roses and wild strawberries, the nose has a lovely fragrance and expression. Lifted and bright, this has such a beautiful delicacy to it, a creamy, chalkiness comes from the fine tannins with bright, succulent strawberry and raspberry leaf elements. You feel the savoury side too, the sweet vanilla spice and dried herb aspect which counter the fruit and the high acidity. I adore the finesse here, the sharp fruit giving the energy and the chalky texture giving the layers. Feels well controlled, powerful yet delivered with poise. It doesn't have so much overt weight, it's definitely more ethereal in terms of density, but the nuance of flavour is thrillingly captivating and this has a long lifted finish. A contemplative wine that keeps you wanting more and more. Made in new winery facilities in Fiesole. Grapes were picked from the best six vineyards; Vincigliata, Olmo, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena with each divided into parcels and harvested up to eight times to get the perfect ripening points. Natural and indigenous fermentation in open top barriques (225l) for smaller parcels and 50hl cask or stainless steel tanks for larger plots. After 7-10 days of maceration, the parcels are moved into old barriques and 50hl casks for 20 months. ~97 Decanter

~97 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

~96 The Wine Independant

Bibi Graetz has long been tinkering with his formula for this wine, and this vintage represents a new chapter. The 2020 Testamatta is a blend of Sangiovese from old and new vines, with a priority on cooler growing conditions (and even a few northern exposures). In the wake of climate change, and in the pursuit of elegance, Bibi is changing his approach. He also has a new vineyard property near Fiesole, and the introduction of these grapes (from a breezy, high-elevation site) are what gives Testamatta its beautiful clarity, sharpness and lifted bouquet. The new Fiesole fruit makes up about 30% to 35% of this wine. The results are vibrant, transparent and fresh both in terms of acidity and aromatic intensity. This is a wine in transformation and a wine to watch. ~95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

It is bright and decisive in the character of pure and iconic Sangiovese. It gives itself to the full immediately with notes of cherries, raspberries, lemon peel and coriander. Medium body, round tannins of splendid shape and a juicy and true finish that closes authentic and genuine. Better from 2025. ~95 WinesCritic.com

Beautiful, fresh aromas of sour cherries, orange peel and lemon bush. Medium-bodied with firm, racy acidity and ultra-fine tannins that add brightness and energy to the wine. This is definitely following the new wave of crunchy, vivid Tuscany sangioveses, which emphasize drinkability and transparency. Lighter than past vintages.~94 James Suckling

Dusty, floral and lifted with flinty crushed stone, peppery herbs and tart raspberry, the 2020 Rosso Testamatta makes itself known in the glass. This is finessed and pure in style, combining bright acidity and minerals with wild strawberry fruit, all carried across seamlessly silky textures. While structured, the 2020 leaves the palate completely refreshed as a web of fine-grained tannins frames pretty rose and sweet spice nuances. What a darling. I expect that bottle age will bring more flesh to the palate, but even without it, the 2020 Testamatta, a varietal Sangiovese, is gorgeous. ~94 Vinous Media

Scorched earth and pure sun-ripened fruit are at the forefront of the 2020 Testamatta, with ripe red cherry, tarragon, and toasted cedar. Medium bodied, with a mineral and lifted texture, it offers fine tannins and a citrus tinged finish. A razor edge of acidity drives the wine forward and creates a linear feel. It will certainly benefit for more time in bottle to ease into its full potential and can be enjoyed over the next 15 or so years. ~93 Jeb Dunnuck

The subtle nose on this wine releases oak notes first, then cherries, soy sauce, herbs, pencil shavings and eraser, and finally a little orange peel. Graphite and soil come through on the palate alongside more cherries, orange and dried herbs. Tannins hold their shape but let the fruit speak, while acid cuts right down the tongue. ~93 Wine Enthusiast

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of this Wine***