Bibi Graetz Testamatta Bianco

A white wine that shows what old vines on a small island can do: The Testamatta Bianco comes from a single vineyard on Giglio – and you can taste it.

Serrone is the name of the parcel in the southeastern part of the island. Terrace sites on granite, 60 to 150 meters above the sea, vines with up to 100 years on their back. Bibi Graetz – painter, career changer, winemaker – rediscovered this forgotten island over two decades ago and made the indigenous grape variety Ansonica his trademark. The barrique aging is not an end in itself, but a frame: structure for a wine that would go too far without it.

In the glass: ripe citrus fruit, white peach, herbs of the macchia – myrtle, thyme, a hint of smoke from the oak aging. The granite makes itself felt as a salty minerality in the finish; the acidity carries the wine without sharpness. Medium to full body, long, spicy finish.

Drinking temperature 10–12 °C. Pairs with grilled sea bass with capers, spaghetti alle vongole, or a ripe Pecorino Toscano.