Bibi Graetz is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Tuscany, if not of all Italy. His route to winemaking is rather unconventional though. Growing up near Florence, in an artistic family, surrounded by the impressive metal sculptures created by his father Gidon Graetz, and his own canvases and paint brushes, Bibi graduated from the Accademia delle Belle Arte in Florence as a promising young artist. While still an art student, driven by his passion for wine, he began studying all he could find on enology. In the late 1990s, when he was in the process of renewing his family’s contract to grow grapes for other producers, he impulsively decided to use the grapes to make his own wines. His claim to fame soon followed when, out of nowhere, his Testamatta 2006 received 98 points from Wine Spectator. Graetz’s portfolio now includes wines among the country’s most collectable bottles. Critics from all over the world rave about his wines, and wine lovers and collectors are snapping them up! The wines are as inimitable and singular as Bibi Graetz himself. While many iconic Tuscan labels favor Bordeaux varieties, Bibi Graetz chose instead to champion native gems such as Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Graetz’s vision epitomises wine being an art form, not only for his paintings adorning his labels, but for the contemporary style of his wines, recognizable by their touch of artistic flair and modern twist.

VintageCellar has secured an allocation of two of Bibi Graetz Super Tuscan knockouts and they are currently available for purchase. Dressed for a party, they celebrate the estate’s 20th anniversary with a special commemorative bottle. Produced only in exceptional years, Colore is Bibi Graetz’s flagship wine. It is made from the oldest vines of Sangiovese that range up to 135 years old, and there is a gentle, unforced complexity to this wine that is deliciously moreish. The bouquet reveals balsam herb, cassis, pressed rose, garden mint and crushed stone. There is an incredible combination of fruit and structure, with very fine tannins. Drink 2022 – 2045. Bibi Graetz says his 2019 Colore is his best, and we must agree!

Rated 99 points by James Suckling, 98 points by Decanter, and 96 points by Wine Advocate.

Testamatta, which means “crazy head,” received its moniker because that is what Graetz is called by those who know him. It’s the details that set Testamatta apart: the team goes through the vineyard up to 8 times to ensure picking at maturity, and vines ranging from 5 years old up to 80 years old planted in the cool-climate Lamole subzone of Chianti Classico between 400m to 600m of altitude. The 2019 vintage displays a very attractive combination of dried fruit and spices with black cherries and plums. Full-bodied and very refined, yet intense, with plush, velvety tannins that are wonderfully integrated and intertwined with the fruit. Drink 2022 – 2042.

Rated 97 points by James Suckling, 96 points by Decanter, and 94 points by Wine Advocate.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get a hold on these contenders for the best cellars! Text and visuals for social media :

• Bib Graetz’s 20th anniversary, proving again why he is such a compelling figure in Tuscany
• Old-vine magic
• Every bit the oenophile’s dream