BIBI GRAETZ 'Testamatta' Rosso - Toscana IGT 2022 Bottle (Sangiovese)

Description

Bibi Graetz’s 2022 ‘Testamatta’ represents the continuing evolution of this 100% Sangiovese cuvée. Sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in Tuscany, the wine is produced from vines located in high-altitude areas such as Fiesole and Lamole. The name, which translates to "crazy head," reflects Graetz’s unconventional path into winemaking and his artistic philosophy.

The 2022 growing season was characterised by high temperatures across Italy, yet the high-altitude sites and the significant age of the vines allowed the grapes to retain their natural acidity and structural integrity. The result is a wine that possesses the concentration of a warm year while maintaining the elegance and transparency for which Testamatta is renowned.

In the cellar, Graetz employs spontaneous fermentation in open-top barrels, a process that emphasises the authentic character of the fruit. The wine is aged in seasoned French oak barriques to ensure that the wood does not overshadow the delicate flavours of the Sangiovese. The 2022 vintage offers a complex bouquet of ripe red cherries, forest fruits, and sun-drenched herbs, complemented by notes of crushed stones and floral undertones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with refined tannins and a persistent, saline finish, showing great ageing potential.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points/100
The purity of fruit is so impressive, with al dente fruit character of sliced cherries, cranberries and citrus fruit that’s wonderfully melted together. It’s medium- to full-bodied and grows on the palate, with firm and layered tannins and a long, intense finish. This needs three to four years to refine but is already so enticing. Great beauty. Already irresistible, but best after 2027.

DECANTER 97 points/100
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2042 - The production of both Testamatta and Colore was cut by two-thirds in 2022, partly because Bibi Graetz didn't want to use his south-facing vineyards in such a hot year. ‘I think there is more power, more energy,’ he says. Certainly, Testamatta is singing, and has closed the gap to Colore in 2022. It displays dusty, earthy notes, creamy dark cherry, green olive and spice on a vertical frame with stark salinity. It's precise and energetic, poised and balletic, with a beautiful vibrancy of tangy raspberry, cherry, wild herbs and a touch of plum.