Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2022

Bibi Graetz began making wine in 1990 around Castello di Vincigliata, the family castle near Fiesole in the Tuscan hills, and Testamatta is his signature bottling. It is built on old-vine Sangiovese drawn from parcels across Tuscany, farmed organically. The vines grow on the poor, rocky, often high-altitude soils of the region, which restrict vigour and yield small, concentrated berries, while the elevation gives cool nights that preserve the perfume and acidity Sangiovese is prized for. Old vines add depth and a fine tannic structure. The wine is aged 24 months in oak barrels, a long elevage that softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a savoury, spiced frame while keeping the bright red fruit and floral lift. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is cherry and red berries over rose, dried herbs and a note of leather. The palate is concentrated and structured, with ripe tannin, high acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It pairs well with red meat and Tuscan cooking.