Bibi Graetz (Wine Styles,10 Great Bottles, Winemaking)

Bibi Graetz is a maverick, rebellious winemaker who owns one of the most prestigious wineries in Tuscany.

With no formal training in winemaking, Graetz entwines his artistic leanings and passion for wine to create spectacular artisanal wines.

Today, the Bibi Graetz estate holds one of the largest assemblages of old vineyards in Tuscany, and its great Tuscan wines are sought after among wine collectors worldwide.

Let’s discover all about this flourishing winery, its iconic wine styles, and unique winemaking practices. We’ll also explore the 10 best Bibi Graetz wines you can buy in 2023 and an easy way to invest in fine wines.

A Quick Intro to Master Winemaker Bibi Graetz and the Winery

Bibi Graetz is one of the most prestigious winemakers on the Tuscan wine scene. The winery is situated on a hillside in the Vincigliata village in Fiesole (northeast of the great city of Florence.) 

It produces unique red wine blends of classic Tuscan varietals like Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino and beautiful white wines made from Ansonica and Vermentino.

Bibi Graetz graduated from Florence's Accademia dell'Arte in Italy. His advent into winemaking began in the 1990s while working on the 2-hectare vineyards around his house, Castello di Vincigliata. 

When the family's vineyard contracts ended, he started farming there himself instead of renewing the contracts with the nearby parcels. He also expanded his business by renting old vineyards around Tuscany. 

In 2000, Bibi released his first wine called Testamatta (“crazy head”) by collaborating with consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini. Testamatta was a roaring success and paved the way for his rise as a master winemaker. 

Two years later, he began crafting beautiful white wines by sourcing grapes from the Isola del Giglio island vines off the Tuscan coast.

In 2019, Graetz bought the Hotel Villa Aurora and Blu Bar in Fiesole, which now serves as a winery. 

Let’s now explore the range of wine styles from winemaker Bibi Graetz.

The Iconic Bibi Graetz Wine Styles 

Bibi Graetz produces unique styles of wine using classic Tuscan varietals as well as non-native grapes. 

The Bibi Graetz flagship wines include:

1. Colore 

The Colore label has won many accolades and earned high scores from several notable wine critics. It is available in two variants:

• Colore Grand Vin Red Wine: Colore is a red blend made with the indigenous grape varietals Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino obtained from 60-year old vines. 

Bibi Graetz makes this Grand Vin by sourcing grapes from vine parcels in Lamole (Chianti Classico), Vincigliata near Florence, and from Siena in southern Tuscany.

• Colore Bianco White Wine: This white wine is produced from Ansonica grapes grown in the terraced Pietrabuona vineyard on Giglio island. 

2. Testamatta

Testamatta is one of the Bibi Graetz flagship wines that echoes his innovative winemaking style. 

The Testamatta wine styles include:

• Testamatta Rosso: The Testamatta Toscana Rosso is a Super Tuscan red wine. Bibi Graetz makes this wine by sourcing fruit from 100% old vine Sangiovese grapes.
• Soffocone di Vincigliata: Soffocone is produced with Sangiovese grapes from a single vineyard in Vincigliata, Fiesole. It is also the only Bibi Graetz wine to be named after the parent vineyard.
• La Cicale: Le Cicale is a concentrated Chianti made from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes. 
• Grilli di Testamatta: Grilli di Testamatta (or Hothead's Whims) is the youngest wine of the Bibi Graetz winery released in partnership with the American winemaker Mondavi. Graetz makes this signature Super Tuscan red by sourcing fruit from non-indigenous Cabernet and Merlot vine plantings.
• Testamatta Bianco: This 100% Ansonica white wine is produced with old vine grapes from the Serrone vineyard on Isola del Giglio. It commemorates Bibi’s childhood interactions with older, more experienced farmers in the vineyard. 
• Testamatta Bugia: The Testamatta Bugia is an IGT Toscana produced from old vine Ansonica grapes on the Giglio island. 

Besides these six wine styles, Bibi Graetz also produces:

• Testamatta Vermentino:  A white wine made with the Vermentino white grape varietal 
• Testamatta Canaiolo Chianti:  Made with the Canaiolo grapes 
• Testamatta Gigliese: A 100% Ansonica wine
• Soffocone di Natale: A rare red blend made with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Testamatta 'Scopeto': A rare white blend made with Vermentino and Moscato grapes

3. Casamatta

Casamatta is a non-vintage wine available in the following styles: 

• Rosso: This Bibi Graetz Casamatta red wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The wine has a medium body, low tannins, and a dark purple color. 
• Bianco: Casamatta Bianco is a white wine native to the south Tuscan coast town of Argentario. It is a harmonious blend of the Vermentino, Trebbiano, and Ansonica grape varietals.
• Rosato: This is an approachable everyday rose wine made with Sangiovese grapes.

4. Bollamatta Sparkling Rose

Bollamatta is a bubbly rose made with Sangiovese grapes using the Charmat method (the secondary fermentation is performed in stainless steel tanks.) Bollamatta is a medium-bodied fruity wine with balanced acidity.

Let’s now explore Bibi Graetz’s vineyards and vinification process.

Bibi Graetz Vineyards and Winemaking Practices

Bibi Graetz advocates the use of old vines and traditional varieties in winemaking. 

For his Super Tuscan blends, however, he uses non-native Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah varietals.    

He owns over 30 hectares of old vines all over Tuscany which are organically cultivated. He also owns vineyards at the Castello di Vincigliata hillside and Isola del Giglio. 

During winemaking, Bibi Graetz implements natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts and aging in French oak barrels.

The Testamatta and Colore wine styles are produced in the winery at Hotel Villa Aurora. The rest of the wines are made at the Fiesole winery. 

Here’s what differentiates the winemaking of each wine style:

• Colore: The Grand Vin, composed of traditional varieties, undergoes natural fermentation in open barriques and is aged for 30 months. To produce the white variant, the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
• Testamatta: Depending on the type of Testamatta wine, the indigenous grape varietals are either fermented in stainless steel tanks, French oak barrels, or wooden casks with indigenous yeasts. The aging period can vary from 12 to 18 months.
• Casamatta: For the red wine, the vinification lasts for a week, while the rose’s fermentation lasts about ten days.

All these wines are concentrated and elegant, capturing the essence of the Tuscan terroir.

Seduced by the sound of these great wine styles? 

Check out the ten best Bibi Graetz wines of 2023 we handpicked for you.

10 Best Bibi Graetz Wines to Buy in 2023

These Bibi Graetz wines would be perfect for your cellar or for your next dinner party:

1. 2007 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT 

This is one of Tuscany's true cult wines, which has dark cherries, blackberry, and coffee flavors. On opening, it exudes intoxicating aromas of black currant, dark fruit, and cassis.

Price of 2007 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT: $635

2. 2003 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT

This red Bibi Graetz wine from the heart of Tuscany, Italy has an intense nose of red fruit, dried violets, and dark chocolate. This stunning Chianti Classico wine has powerful tasting notes of plum, raspberry, and black currant as well.

Price of 2003 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT: $602

3. 2008 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT

This is one of the great Tuscan wines with strong hints of currant, cherry, and red fruit. The palate is juicy with firm tannins and is a beautiful reflection of the Tuscan terroir.

Price of 2008 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT: $516

4. 2019 Bibi Graetz Colore Bianco Toscana IGT

This light gold Tuscan wine offers a bouquet of peach, melon, orange blossom, and vanilla aromas. The 2019 Bianco wine bursts with freshness and acidity offset by apple, pear, and honey flavors. 

Price of 2019 Bibi Graetz Colore Bianco Toscana IGT: $281

5. Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2018

This great wine presents an intoxicating array of red fruit, cherry, bark, and oak aromas. The dynamic flavor profile boasts of black currant, cherry, and raspberry.

Price of Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2018: $103

6. 2009 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Canaiolo Toscana IGT

This beautiful Testamatta is saturated with the aroma of prune, dried flowers, and cedar. The full-bodied wine has velvety tannins and tasting notes of red fruit, coffee, and chocolate.

Price of 2009 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Canaiolo Toscana IGT: $165

7. 2009 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT

Here’s a balanced Bibi Graetz wine with smooth tannins and a red fruit aroma. It has a flavorful palate of plum, black currant, and strawberry and pairs well with beef, lamb, veal, and chicken.

Price of 2009 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT: $138

8. 2017 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Bianco Toscana IGT

This wine presents an intense nose of white pineapple, lemon peel, and peaches. The vibrant tasting notes of this Testamatta include melon and vanilla, with minerality undertones.

Price of 2017 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Bianco Toscana IGT: $123

9. 2010 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Soffocone di Natale Toscana IGT

This light burgundy-colored Testamatta wine has a peppery aroma with hints of cinnamon, clove, and smoke. The flavor profile is fruity and has cranberry, pomegranate, and red fruit tasting notes.

Price of 2010 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Soffocone di Natale Toscana IGT: $123

10. NV Bibi Graetz 'Bollamatta' Spumante Rose

This fresh Bibi Graetz bubbly packs fruity aromas of wild strawberries, cassis, and herbs. It has a creamy flavor profile with notes of red fruit, cranberry, plum, and peach. 

Price of NV Bibi Graetz 'Bollamatta' Spumante Rose: $27

Are these delicious wines investment-worthy? 

Let’s find out.

Investing in Bibi Graetz Wine

Bibi Graetz’s wines have excellent aging potential and can cellar for over a decade or two. 

The Bibi Graetz wines also offer an incredible price-quality ratio. 

Besides, only 1,200 cases of the Bibi Graetz Testamatta are released annually, which means its supply never meets the demand, adding to it’s mystical charm. 

These wines have also earned high scores from wine publications like Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and critics like James Suckling. The 2018 Bibi Graetz Testamatta received a perfect 100 from Jane Anson.

Bibi Graetz's wines have also consistently increased in value over the years. For example:

• The 2007 Bibi Graetz Colore Toscana IGT grew by about 42%, from $442 to $627 between April and May 2021.
• From September 2020 to May 2021, the 2009 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Canaiolo Toscana IGT wine appreciated by over 80%, from $92 to $166.

Now, if you are curious about investing in Bibi Graetz and similar fine wines, Vinovestcan help you.

Buy Bibi Graetz and Other Collectible Wines Through Vinovest

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1. Sign up with Vinovest.
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Enrich Your Cellar With A Bibi Graetz Bottle Today!

Bibi Graetz makes some of Tuscany's true cult wines - crafted to perfection with a range of styles to choose from. As a disrupter of the Tuscan wine scene and with it’s miniscule production, any bottle from this winery is an invaluable prize for wine collectors. 

To secure a coveted bottle and begin your investment journey, avail the services of Vinovest.

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