BIBI GRAETZ 'Testamatta' Rosso - Toscana IGT 2019 Bottle (Sangiovese)

Description

Bibi Graetz’s 2019 ‘Testamatta’ is from 100% Sangiovese, marking the 20th anniversary of this celebrated cuvée. Sourced from six high-altitude vineyard sites across Tuscany, including Fiesole, Lamole, and Siena, the wine is produced from old vines ranging from 35 to 80 years in age. The 2019 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest in the region’s history, characterised by a long, balanced growing season that allowed for optimal phenolic ripeness and exceptional aromatic complexity.

The winemaking process remains rooted in artisanal techniques. The fruit is hand-harvested and undergoes spontaneous fermentation in open-top French oak barriques with manual punch-downs. This gentle approach ensures the preservation of the wine's delicate floral and mineral characteristics. The 2019 vintage reveals an intense bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, and dried rose petals, complemented by notes of iron and crushed stone. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and strikingly elegant, featuring ultra-fine tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides immense lift. With its remarkable purity and a persistent, saline finish, this vintage represents the pinnacle of Graetz’s vision. It possesses incredible ageing potential and pairs beautifully with refined dishes such as roasted quail or truffle-infused pasta.

JAMES SUCKLING 97 points/100
Very attractive combination of dried fruit and spices with black cherries and plums. Aromas of flowers and sandalwood, too. Full-bodied and very refined, yet intense, with plush, velvety tannins that are wonderfully integrated and intertwined with the fruit. Ripe center palate. Tight at the end, suggesting the need for some serious bottle age. Very structured. Try after 2025.

DECANTER 96 points/100
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2045
The 20th anniversary bottling of Testamatta made, from the 2019 vintage, in brand new winemaking facilities in Florence. This just shines from the moment it’s poured. Layered and complex this is a gem of a wine filled with cherry, raspberry, damson and caramel notes alongside a savoury edge that makes it so moreish. Tannins that support but don't overwhelm give a nice overall weight to the palate while the flavous linger on the long finish. Made from old vines on stony soils on the Tuscan hilltops. Grapes are selected and sourced from the best five vineyards, which are divided into parcels and harvested up to eight times. Fermentation is in open-top barriques for the smaller parcels and in barrels or stainless steel for the larger ones without any temperature controls. Maceration for 7-10 days then moved into old barriques for 20 months.