BIBI GRAETZ Balocchi di Cabernet Franc No.7 2021 Bottle - NO DISCOUNT

Description

We are super excited to be able to offer you 2021 Balocchi (No 7), an exciting 100% Cabernet Franc new release from Bibi Graetz in Tuscany. This wine, along with Rosso & Bianco Cassamatta and the Soffocone di Vincigliata, which we’ll be offering next month, are being offered exclusively through Dunell's.

A rare and collectable micro-cuvée from Bibi Graetz.

As firm fans of Bibi Graetz, we wanted to share news of a highly exclusive release from his cellars in Fiesole - the 2021 'Balocchi' (No. 7) di Cabernet Franc.

This is an extremely limited release, with just 1,200 bottles produced. It's an exquisite 100% Cabernet Franc bottling - Bibi's first - from a tiny parcel of very mature vines in Olmo, near Fiesole.

Balocchi, which roughly translates as ‘toys’, is a range of micro-cuvées that Bibi makes from single plots of rare old vines with distinct character. As the first Balocchi made with Cabernet Franc, this is one of the most collectable wines in the range to date. It’s a unique and brilliant creation by one of Tuscany’s most colourful producers.

Scores for this Balocchi No.7 have yet to be published by the critics, but given the recent success of Bibi’s famous Colore - which received 100 points from Jane Anson last year - we expect this to sell very quickly.

"The 2021 Balocchi di Cabernet Franc is arrestingly beautiful. A new and extremely limited addition to the Balocchi series, just 1.200 bottles of this precious cuvée were produced from old Cabernet Franc vines in Olmo, Fiesole. The nose is complex and defined, moving from heady, red and blue berry-fruit to pretty dried violet and rose petal. The palate is sculpted from marble, so light on its feet as it delivers waves of red and black cherry, dried strawberry and plum, accented by blood orange and floral perfume. This is ethereal, showing the power, minerality and fragility of old vine Cabernet Franc. Maturation of 24 months in old 225l barrique. Drink 2026 – 2040+" - Charlie Leech, Italy Buyer FMV

***
Born in 1973 in Florence, Italy, Bibi Graetz comes from a family of artists, which profoundly influenced his winemaking philosophy. He studied art and sculpting before eventually turning his passion to winemaking, which he considers an art form in itself.
In the late 1990s, Bibi Graetz started his journey in winemaking by acquiring vineyards in the hills of Fiesole, near Florence, Tuscany. These vineyards, some more than 200 years old, became the foundation for his winery, Azienda Agricola Testamatta, which translates to "Crazy Head Farm."

One of Graetz’s fundamental principles is to work with traditional Tuscan grape varieties, such as Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo, but with a contemporary and artistic approach. He believes in organic and biodynamic farming practices, respecting the land’s natural balance and allowing the terroir to express itself in his wines.

Bibi Graetz’s winemaking style is characterised by small production, meticulous attention to detail, and an experimental spirit. He embraces minimal intervention during winemaking, preferring to let the grapes speak for themselves. The result is wines with a distinct sense of place, displaying the unique flavours and characteristics of the Tuscan terroir.

His wines have gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for their exceptional quality and distinctive character. Some of his most famous wines include “Colore,” a complex and age-worthy red blend, and the “Testamatta” series, which includes “Testamatta” and “Testamatta Rosso,” showcasing his commitment to crafting exceptional Sangiovese wines.

*****