Bibi Graetz Colore 2019, 18L

Colore 2019 is a truly monumental expression of Sangiovese and one of the most celebrated wines from Tuscany in recent years. In this rare 15L format, it becomes not just a wine but a centerpiece for collectors and grand celebrations, showcasing a remarkable balance of elegance, freshness and depth. Crafted to mark the 20th anniversary of Bibi Graetz as a winemaker, this special anniversary bottling encapsulates his evolution from power-driven wines to a pure, refined pursuit of elegance.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Colore 2019 shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with luminous garnet highlights, hinting at both concentration and finesse. The nose is expansive and lifted, unfolding in layers: ripe blackcurrant and red cherry, pressed rose petals and violet, followed by balsamic herbs, garden mint, wild thyme and a subtle mineral note of crushed stone. Hints of sweet spice and a faint echo of dried orange peel add further complexity as it opens. On the palate, the wine is both powerful and incredibly poised. Pure, energetic Sangiovese fruit – dark cherry, black plum and blackcurrant – is framed by a racy yet beautifully integrated acidity that gives the wine tension and length. The tannins are fine-grained but firm, providing more texture and structure than the slightly leaner 2018 vintage, while the balsamic and herbal notes reappear on the mid-palate, joined by rose, tea leaf and a stony, almost saline finish. The 2019 vintage has excellent aging potential; in this 15L format, it is built for the long haul and will evolve gracefully over 20+ years, gaining even more complexity and silkiness with time.

Production
Colore 2019 is 100% Sangiovese sourced from three historic vineyards in Tuscany, with venerable vines aged approximately 70, 80 and 90 years. These old vines, including the southern site of Poggio Matto in Casciano del Murlo (Siena province), grow on poor, well-drained soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor, while the Tuscan climate ensures warm days, cool nights and a long, even ripening season. Grapes are meticulously selected in the vineyard and harvested by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes it to the cellar. After careful sorting, the Sangiovese is vinified in a way that emphasizes finesse over sheer power, with gentle extraction to preserve aromatic lift and the pure varietal character that Bibi Graetz seeks. The final blend gives a larger proportion to fruit from Poggio Matto, building the wine’s structure, depth and momentum, and resulting in a Colore of exceptional intensity and elegance.

Food & Serving
Colore 2019 is a natural match for refined Tuscan cuisine and richly flavored dishes. Think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb, roasted game birds, ragù-based pastas, truffle-infused dishes and aged hard cheeses such as pecorino. It also pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, mushroom risottos and dishes featuring herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Given the concentration and youth of this vintage, and especially in a 15L format, decanting is highly recommended: plan on a lengthy aeration – at least 2–3 hours, and more for peak performance at special occasions – to allow the wine’s many layers to fully unfold.

Producer
Bibi Graetz, based in Tuscany, has established himself as one of Italy’s most distinctive and visionary wine producers since he began making wine in 2000. Working primarily with native varieties and old-vine parcels, he has become a key figure in redefining modern Tuscan greatness beyond traditional appellation boundaries, with Colore and Testamatta as his flagship labels. Over two decades, his shift from seeking sheer concentration to prioritizing elegance, purity and terroir expression has earned him international acclaim and consistently high critical scores. The 2019 Colore, marking his 20-year anniversary as a winemaker, is widely regarded as a milestone release that completes this stylistic journey and secures his standing among the most important contemporary producers in Tuscany.

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