2013 Testamatta
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Tasting notes
An excellent vintage, with naturally low yields that by this point Bibi was not pushing in any way, moving towards more natural vineyard management, wild yeasts and fully organic farming. Love the complex nuanced layers of smoke, liqourice, raspberry and savoury redcurrant. Clear spices, one of the most distinctive in terms of its clove, rosemary and Tuscan underbrush in the lineup. Even though only 8 years old, this is lghter in colour and weight than the earlier vintages, clearly showing the changes in winemaking (shorter extraction and less new oak among the more evident evolutions), and putting paid to the idea that you need heavy extraction to deliver intensity and flavour.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bibi Graetz applies his unique winemaking philosophy to a can-do-no-wrong vintage. The 2013 Testamatta (100% Sangiovese) opens to a deep and dark ruby color and smoky aromas of cigar ash, crushed stone, licorice, grilled herb and dried cassis. Make no mistake: This is one of the most original and off-the-radar expressions of Sangiovese you will ever taste. There is managed rusticity here that matches the imperfection and the undeniable beauty of the artwork that graces its label. Those bright blue and yellow brush strokes offer major contrast, yet together they reach harmony. That seems to be the overriding message of this wine that is otherwise loaded with personality and charm.
Very aromatic and exciting with citrus rind, plums, cedar and rose petals. Full body, fine and silky tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Love the persistence and intensity. Salty undertone at the end. Needs two to three years to open.
Very aromatic and exciting with citrus rind, plum, cedar and rose petal. Full body, fine and silky tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Love the persistence and intensity. Salty undertone at the end. Needs two to three years to open.
About the producer
Based just outside Florence, Bibi Graetz is something of a maverick in the Tuscan wine scene. Working with old vineyards of indigenous grapes around Chianti, he produces intense wines classified as IGT Toscana; not fitting neatly in either the Super Tuscan or Chianti camp.