At a glance

Producer

Bibi Graetz

Region

Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (primarily, occasionally with minor local varieties)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-$160 USD (release price range, subject to allocation and region)

Tasting profile

Vivid red and black cherries, violets, wild herbs, spice, energetic mineral backbone; tightly wound and intense.

Evolution: Fruit will integrate with subtle oak and earthy undertones, developing notes of balsamic, forest floor, and tobacco. Tannins will gradually soften, aromas becoming more complex.

At peak: Multi-layered Sangiovese elegance: precise fruit, silky tannin, pronounced minerality, and savory depth. Lengthy, perfumed finish.

Structure

Acidity

Vivid, classic Tuscan brightness

Tannins

High, finely grained; pronounced and firm given recent vintage

Alcohol

Typically 13.5%–14.5% ABV (2023 expected similar to recent vintages)

Aging potential

Very high (15–20+ years in optimal storage conditions)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2038

Optimal window

2028 to 2043

Current status

Not yet released commercially (June 2024), early barrel or pre-release samples only

Current condition

Youthful, with intense structure; primary fruit, oak integration in progress

Testamatta reaches its aromatic and textural peak 8–15 years after vintage, when tannins have resolved and tertiary complexity emerges, but structured fruit core persists. Earlier drinking will favor vibrancy and youthful exuberance; later provides nuanced, tertiary evolution typical of great Tuscan Sangiovese.

Food pairing

Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino, wild boar ragù, truffled egg pasta, roasted duck, porcini risotto.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high tannins and is still young, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Vineyards farmed sustainably (cover crops, reduced chemicals, hand harvest); low-intervention winemaking; some estate use of solar panels; water sourced from local aquifer; lightweight glass bottles for reduced shipping weight.

Bibi Graetz operates sustainably at estate level, emphasizing biodiversity, low-impact inputs, and energy-conscious measures. However, absence of third-party certification (organic/biodynamic) and global distribution elevate carbon costs. Production and packaging are mindful of environmental impact, but not cutting edge compared to top certified estates. Overall, Testamatta demonstrates above-average sustainability for a prestigious Tuscan producer, with room for formal improvement and certification.