BIBI GRAETZ Colore Bianco Isola del Giglio (Ansonica) 2023 Bottle 13.5%abv

Description

Colore Bianco comes from an old vineyard overlooking the sea, where the wind, the sun and the salt break the granite rocks to create sandy soils where the Ansonica variety has been grown for centuries. The choice to add a white to this tier of wines was driven by our belief that we have a source of such unique and extremely highquality Ansonica as to be worthy of the name Colore.

Winemaker's Notes
:“This year Colore Bianco 2023 exceeds all expectations! I am completely out of words to describe it. It showcases the true essence of the Ansonica from Pietrabona vineyard, with a distinctive southern exposure that allows for optimal ripening and flavour development. Aromas of ripe citrus fruits, white flowers, and a hint of sea breeze greet the nose, while the palate is treated to a crisp and refreshing acidity, balanced by a rich and round mouthfeel. Notes of local stone fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of saline minerality give this wine a unique and elegant character.” Bibi Graetz

James Suckling 96 *****
3 Jul, 2024 – Orange blossoms, orange peel, sliced oranges, sea salt and granite. Medium- to full-bodied with lots gorgeous fruit and wonderful character. Rather exotic and wild, with perfectly ripe fruit. The lees were stirred three times a week. Lightly phenolic, with minerals and botanicals. This from a single vineyard of ansonica grapes called Pietrabona. Give this three to four years of bottle age to soften.

Decanter 94
Tasted by: James Button (at London, 05 Sep 2024)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2033 - Colore Bianco is from a single vineyard on Giglio, the rocky, south-facing Pietrabona. It's more floral and breezy than Testamatta – with aromas of Mediterranean herbs, apricot skin and some lees – and in the mouth it's more savoury: olives, capers and herbs all come to the fore. Vertical, saline and textured, it has a stony profile with more concentration than Testamatta, and its subtle lemon peel and apple mid-palate lends complexity. Delicious.

The Wine Advocate RP 94
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2024 - 2033 - Made with the Ansonica grape from a special vineyard site in the Pietrabuona valley on this rustic Tuscan island, the Bibi Graetz 2023 Isola del Giglio Colore Bianco offers a pretty bouquet with peach, orange peel, sea salt and baked apple. The wine is soft and textured with mild acidity. Bibi says he did not experience problems with fungal diseases in 2023 on Giglio island. Those issues were very problematic in the rest of Italy.