BIBI GRAETZ 'Testamatta' Bianco Isola del Giglio (Ansonica) - Toscana IGT 2023 Bottle

Description

James Suckling: 95
Complex aromas of white pears, yellow plums and light mangoes with hints of minerals and fresh flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with a dense center palate and integrated phenolics that give this grace and sophistication. Barrel-fermented and aged old-vine ansonica. Drink or hold.

Decanter: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2031 - A blend of vineyards from the island of Giglio, this 100% Ansonica offers up complex notes of lemon leaf, apricot, Demerara sugar, bruised apple and some leesy hints. In the mouth it's intense and zippy, with textural feel allied to citrussy touches of pink grapefruit and lemon, finishing with apricot and a floral flourish. A really pretty white which has plenty to offer. - James Button

Wine Advocate 93
Drink Date: 2024 - 2033 The Bibi Graetz 2023 Isola del Giglio Testamatta Bianco opens to a saturated off-gold color with thick aromas of peach cobbler, salty minerality and spicy saffron. After fermentation, the wine goes into oak barrels with frequent stirring of the lees for lingering creaminess on the finish. No new oak is used. - Monico Larner

The Drinks Business (Colin Hay): 95+
Jane Anson: 94

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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.