BIBI GRAETZ 'Testamatta' Rosso - Toscana IGT 2021 Bottle (Sangiovese)

Description

Bibi Graetz’s 2021 ‘Testamatta’ is 100% Sangiovese, showcasing the artistry and dedication of this celebrated producer. Sourced from old vines across high-altitude Tuscan sites, the 2021 vintage is defined by its exceptional concentration and vibrant energy. The winemaking involves spontaneous fermentation in open-top barrels, ensuring the purity of the fruit is maintained.

On the nose, the wine reveals intense aromas of black cherry, crushed raspberries, and violets, underpinned by notes of graphite and earthy minerals. The palate is medium-bodied yet powerful, with remarkably fine tannins and a bright acidity that provides a long, elegant finish. This vintage displays great balance and significant ageing potential, making it an excellent companion for grilled meats, mushroom risotto, or mature cheeses.

JAMES SUCKLING ***** 98 points/100
26 Jun, 2023 – Fabulous aromas of strawberries, orange zest and orange blossom. So pure on the nose. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with intense linear tannins that are ultra-fine in texture. It's fresh and salty with a brightness and focus. Minerally and crisp. pH is 3.4 highlighting the strength of the acidity. Crunchy. Salty. So delicious now but this will age incredibly well..

DECANTER 97 points/100
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Aug 2023)
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2045
Beautifully fragrant on the nose, delicately scented and inviting with subtle wild flower scents, red and black berries and sweet spices. Chalky and powdery tannins support super bright acidity which gives this such a sharp, thrilling and lively expression. Tannins are super fine but have a spiced edge that grips and holds interest, supportive but not overpowering, letting the acidity and bright fruit flavours shine through. Beautifully delineated and expressed, elegant, refined, totally beguiling yet with layers of flavour and intensity and such a long finish. Feels supremely drinkable and that is such a feat at this young stage. Well worked, balanced, and enjoyable with flashes of heat and spice dotting the finish. Really wonderful and totally charming.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points/100
Drink Date: 2024 – 2045
The 2021 Testamatta is Sangiovese sourced from various hilltop vineyards spanning different cool microclimates. The ideal is to underline the transparency and fragility of the variety. Fruit from the Olmo Vineyard plays a big role and “gives a strong imprint to this wine,” Bibi says. Testamatta offers fresh aromas of violet, rose, forest green and candied orange peel. Bibi says 2021 was generally warmer than 2020, but all three vintages—2020, 2021 and 2022—are considered hot. He is upbeat regarding 2023 thanks to all the rain. Testamatta shows an earthy note that gives this wine (with 120,000 bottles made) a slightly more accessible personality. The tannins are lightly managed and the oak framing is down to an elegant minimum. Bibi buys 1% new oak each year, and his oldest barrels date back to 2003. He does not pull leaves, and he employs methods that do not concentrate his fruit so he can safeguard the typicity of Sangiovese. Winemaking is as natural as possible. The beautiful results are classic and bright. He strives to keep alcohol contents below 13% - Monica Larner