2012 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Year of Dragon Edition

History of Bibi Graetz and her winery

Bibi Graetz founded his winery in the early 2000s in Fiesole, near Florence. Coming from a family of artists, he decided to apply his creativity to the world of wine. From his historic family home, Castello di Vincigliata, he began with small quantities of wine from old Sangiovese vineyards. His goal was clear: to create wines that reflect the purity and elegance of Tuscany, uninfluenced by trends or technical perfection. The name Testamatta, meaning "crazy head," reflects his idiosyncratic yet passionate approach to winemaking. Today, Bibi Graetz is considered one of Italy's most innovative winemakers.

Region and terroir

Bibi Graetz's vineyards are spread across the hills surrounding Fiesole and in southern Tuscany, near Siena and Maremma. The soils consist primarily of limestone, clay, and sand, creating a natural balance between structure and freshness. The vineyards' altitude, ranging from 300 to 600 meters, contributes to the slow ripening of the grapes and the refined aromas in the wine. By working exclusively with old vines, some of which are over 80 years old, Graetz obtains grapes with low yields yet high concentration. This results in wines with tension, elegance, and a recognizably Tuscan identity.

The style of Testamatta

Testamatta is Bibi Graetz's flagship wine. It is a pure expression of Sangiovese, made from old vineyards scattered throughout Tuscany. The wine is fermented with wild yeasts in open-top wooden vats and then aged in French barriques. It is neither filtered nor fined, to preserve its natural texture. The style is intense yet refined, with a focus on fruit, energy, and balance. Testamatta combines classic Tuscan structure with modern precision and a touch of artistic freedom, characteristic of Graetz's approach.

2012 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Year of Dragon Edition

The 2012 Testamatta Year of Dragon Edition is a rare and limited edition that combines the power of the 2012 vintage with a unique artistic label design. The wine is made entirely from 100% Sangiovese, sourced from old vines in some of the estate's highest plots. The 2012 vintage was characterized by a warm summer with ample rainfall in the spring, resulting in a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness in the grapes. This special edition was bottled in honor of the Chinese "Year of the Dragon," a symbol of strength, happiness, and vitality—values that perfectly reflect the character of this wine.

Vinification and maturation

The grapes were harvested by hand in the early morning hours to preserve their freshness. Fermentation took place in open wooden vats with natural yeasts. The wine then aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barriques, a small portion of which were new. After bottling, the wine remained at the estate for several years before being released. This extended aging has added complexity, a silky texture, and layered aromas. The result is a wine with depth, energy, and length that is now drinking beautifully but can still develop for years.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the 2012 Testamatta displays a deep ruby red color with a light garnet rim. The nose opens with aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and blackcurrants, followed by notes of tobacco, leather, balsamic vinegar, and pure cocoa. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet refined, with velvety tannins and a lively acidity that creates tension and elegance. The flavor develops in layers of red fruit, spices, smoke, and a subtle hint of vanilla. The finish is long, complex, and balanced, with notes of dried cherries and a fine minerality. This wine demonstrates how Sangiovese, in the right hands, can display both power and finesse.

Would you like to order Bibi Graetz wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Beef tagliata with rosemary and Parmesan – the juicy meat complements the freshness and structure of the wine beautifully.
• Wild boar ragù with fresh pappardelle – the rich sauce and spiciness enhance the ripe notes of Sangiovese.
• Rack of lamb with truffle mash – the earthy notes of truffle and the tender lamb form a harmonious combination with the wine.
• Grilled eggplant with pecorino and olive oil – the saltiness and fat of the cheese are balanced by the lively acidity.
• Peking duck with orange sauce – the sweet-savoury character perfectly complements the fruity core and spicy profile.
• Mushroom ravioli with sage butter – the creaminess of the filling emphasises the elegant structure and length of the wine.