Bibi Graetz Toscana Rosso "Testamatta" IGT 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [DM 97] [JA 97] [TWI 96] [95 WA] [94 JS] [VM 94]

Being a Madhead

“Testamatta” is the word that best describes Bibi Graetz, a person smiling, creative and passionate. “Testamatta” is a Super Tuscan product made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes from old vines, one perfect combination of tradition and creativity that tells the purity and the elegance of this native vine.

Manufacturer's Notes

Sangiovese 100% “2020 is the year of destiny! It's as if all the stars and planets are aligned. What I love most about Testamatta is the incredible combination between the fruity aroma of strawberry and that some vanilla, reminds me of whipped cream with strawberries! But above all it has a fantastic freshness, this is the real beauty of Testamatta 2020. It is definitely the highest level of perfection ever achieved.” - Bibi Graetz

Vintage 2020

Three new elements characterize the 2020 vintage. The first is the climate, ours vineyards have never expressed themselves as well as in 2020. The new vineyards all'Olmo, which have brought an incredible freshness to the wines thanks to the magic terroir at 420mt. of altitude. The third element is the new cellar in Fiesole which allowed us to work more effectively and comfortably. We now have all the tools to create the Testamatta and Colore to which we always aspire. In 2020 the season was generally warm. After a mild winter, spring started with some rainy days just before of flowering allowing the plants to accumulate the right water reserves. Summer arrived quickly with above average temperatures and drought but, fortunately the cool night breezes allowed the grapes to keep the acidity and aromatic character high. The rains before harvest allowed the full and complete ripening of the bunches. The harvest began on September 24th and ended on October 15th.

Vinification and Aging

The grapes for Testamatta are selected from the six best vineyards: Vincigliata, Olmo, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena. Each vineyard, subdivided in plots, it is harvested up to eight times, so as to collect all the grapes at the perfect level of ripeness. A second selection of the grapes is made in the cellar before destemming and then moving on to the soft pressing phase. The fermentations are carried out with native yeasts, in open barriques (225L), for the smaller parcels, and in 50hl barrels or steel vats for the larger parcels large, with six manual punching down and pumping over per day. After 7-10 days of maceration, the different parcels are transferred to ninth-tenth barriques passage and in 50hl barrels for an aging of about 20 months.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
"Wild roses and wild strawberries, the nose has a lovely fragrance and expression. Lifted and bright, this has such a beautiful delicacy to it, a creamy, chalkiness comes from the fine tannins with bright, succulent strawberry and raspberry leaf elements. You feel the savoury side too, the sweet vanilla spice and dried herb aspect which counter the fruit and the high acidity. I adore the finesse here, the sharp fruit giving the energy and the chalky texture giving the layers. Feels well controlled, powerful yet delivered with poise. It doesn't have so much overt weight, it's definitely more ethereal in terms of density, but the nuance of flavour is thrillingly captivating and this has a long lifted finish. A contemplative wine that keeps you wanting more and more. Made in new winery facilities in Fiesole. Grapes were picked from the best six vineyards; Vincigliata, Olmo, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena with each divided into parcels and harvested up to eight times to get the perfect ripening points. Natural and indigenous fermentation in open top barriques (225l) for smaller parcels and 50hl cask or stainless steel tanks for larger plots. After 7-10 days of maceration, the parcels are moved into old barriques and 50hl casks for 20 months." - Georgina Hindle (Aug 2022)

97 Points - Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux:
Gloriously jewel-like in colour, understated joyful frame flowing with juicy black cherry, raspberry, mandarin peel, fresh acidities and bounce. Everything feels in high definition, continuing the evolution of Testamatta from its earliest years. Softly brushed tannins that are barely there, extremely easy to recommend, you are going to want to share this wine."

96 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The name of this Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2020 means ‘crazy head’, perhaps referring to Bibi’s passionate pursuit of old vine Sangiovese. This wine is a clear, transparent, ruby color and has a very appealing nose of delicate, pure, red fruits like red cherry and wild strawberries wrapped in spice and light salty notes from sea breezes. The nose is charming and alluring. On the palate it is very Burgundy-like in weight and texture with a fine silkiness to the texture but it has very Sangiovese-like tannins. The wine is round and silky with a juicy freshness and fine but firm, savory tannins that linger with bitter cherry and sea salt flavors to the finish. A graceful and characterful version of Sangiovese." - Susan Hulme (Jan 2023)

95 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate:
"Bibi Graetz has long been tinkering with his formula for this wine, and this vintage represents a new chapter. The 2020 Testamatta is a blend of Sangiovese from old and new vines, with a priority on cooler growing conditions (and even a few northern exposures). In the wake of climate change, and in the pursuit of elegance, Bibi is changing his approach. He also has a new vineyard property near Fiesole, and the introduction of these grapes (from a breezy, high-elevation site) are what gives Testamatta its beautiful clarity, sharpness and lifted bouquet. The new Fiesole fruit makes up about 30% to 35% of this wine. The results are vibrant, transparent and fresh both in terms of acidity and aromatic intensity. This is a wine in transformation and a wine to watch. - Monica Larner (Jun 2022)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Beautiful, fresh aromas of sour cherries, orange peel and lemon bush. Medium-bodied with firm, racy acidity and ultra-fine tannins that add brightness and energy to the wine. This is definitely following the new wave of crunchy, vivid Tuscany sangioveses, which emphasize drinkability and transparency. Lighter than past vintages. Drink now or hold. (Jul 2022)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"Dusty, floral and lifted with flinty crushed stone, peppery herbs and tart raspberry, the 2020 Rosso Testamatta makes itself known in the glass. This is finessed and pure in style, combining bright acidity and minerals with wild strawberry fruit, all carried across seamlessly silky textures. While structured, the 2020 leaves the palate completely refreshed as a web of fine-grained tannins frames pretty rose and sweet spice nuances. What a darling. I expect that bottle age will bring more flesh to the palate, but even without it, the 2020 Testamatta, a varietal Sangiovese, is gorgeous." - Eric Guido (Feb 2023)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Scorched earth and pure sun-ripened fruit are at the forefront of the 2020 Testamatta, with ripe red cherry, tarragon, and toasted cedar. Medium bodied, with a mineral and lifted texture, it offers fine tannins and a citrus tinged finish. A razor edge of acidity drives the wine forward and creates a linear feel. It will certainly benefit for more time in bottle to ease into its full potential and can be enjoyed over the next 15 or so years." - Audrey Frick (Jan 2023)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The subtle nose on this wine releases oak notes first, then cherries, soy sauce, herbs, pencil shavings and eraser, and finally a little orange peel. Graphite and soil come through on the palate alongside more cherries, orange and dried herbs. Tannins hold their shape but let the fruit speak, while acid cuts right down the tongue." - Danielle Callegari (Apr 2023)