“Testamatta” Bianco Toscana IGT 2023

Bibi Graetz | Tuscany
Bibi Graetz s.r.l. | Via di Vincigliata 19 | IT 50014 Fiesole

09950523 · 0,75 l · 118,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

"Testamatta" roughly translates as "crazy in the head", and that name hits the nail on the head. When you realise the sheer obsession with which Bibi Graetz pursues viticulture on the island of Giglio, it's no wonder that the terrific, characterful wines she has been bottling for years are so exceptional. This was preceded by several years of experimentation, research and a great deal of hard work, until finally the best of the over 100-year-old Ansonica vines from the rocky single-vineyard site of Serrone were identified. The extended harvest takes place exclusively by hand, with every grape meticulously selected for quality and ripeness before making its way to the winery on the island. After destemming and gentle pressing using dry ice, the wine undergoes a 48-hour maceration at a low temperature; it is then transferred, unfiltered, to 225-litre barriques for fermentation, where the wine matures for a further 12 months.

Straw-yellow with golden highlights. A cooler vintage that breaks the cycle of hot vintages. The clean, fresh and lively bouquet offers notes of white grapefruit, fennel and lemon juice. On the palate, there is a wonderful natural citrus acidity, but also great richness – like a volcano of freshness shooting straight up, with all that depth beneath. As it develops, a gentle spiciness emerges. This is the freshest vintage to date, combined with great juiciness. Rightly considered one of Italy's cult white wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright, medium-intensity ruby red with garnet highlights. An appealing nose with plenty of sweet berry fruit, reminiscent of raspberries and plums. Medium-bodied on the palate, again displaying lovely berry fruit; it unfolds with firm tannins and has a lovely, smooth mouthfeel." Falstaff

"This 100% Ansonica, sourced from vineyards on the island of Giglio, offers complex notes of lemon leaves, apricots, Demerara sugar, crushed apples and hints of leek. On the palate, it is intense and lively, with a pleasant texture and citrus notes of pink grapefruit and lemon, finishing with apricot and floral notes. A truly lovely white wine that has a lot to offer." Decanter

"The 2023 Testamatta Bianco opens with a rich, golden-yellow colour and intense aromas of peach tart, salty minerality and spicy saffron. After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, with the lees stirred frequently to achieve a creamy finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2023 Bianco Testamatta displays admirable richness, with a bouquet of chamomile, mint, raw almonds and wet stone, complemented by fresh apricots. It has a deep texture and feels almost like glycerine, with layers of ripe apples and pears highlighted by a core of lively acidity, whilst a hint of vanilla spice adds complexity towards the finish. It leaves behind nuances of pineapple and citrus spices and finishes with an astonishing length, powerful yet fresh." Vinous

"Complex aromas of white pears, yellow plums and subtle hints of mango, with notes of minerality and fresh flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with a dense mid-palate and well-integrated tannins that lend it grace and sophistication." James Suckling