Bibi Graetz Colore Vertical Case 20th Anniversary (2003, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)

Created for the 20th anniversary of Bibi Graetz, this Colore Vertical Case is a rare collector’s piece that brings together six of the estate’s most remarkable vintages: 2003, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Limited to just 300 numbered cases worldwide, it offers an intimate, side‑by‑side look at how a true Tuscan cult wine expresses both vintage character and the evolution of a visionary producer. Hand‑selected by Bibi Graetz himself as the most distinctive and memorable years for Colore, this set stands out as an exceptional opportunity for serious Sangiovese lovers and collectors alike. At the heart of Colore is old‑vine Sangiovese from high‑altitude vineyards in Lamole, complemented by Colorino for plush, velvety tannins, sourced from some of the oldest and rarest parcels in Tuscany. Long recognized by the international wine press, these vintages carry a string of stellar scores—up to 99 points from leading critics—underlining Colore’s place among Italy’s most coveted reds. As Bibi Graetz’s flagship wine, made in tiny quantities from vines up to 135 years old, Colore has become a modern icon of Tuscan authenticity, eschewing international varieties in favor of native grapes and pure terroir expression.

Tasting Notes
This vertical collection showcases Colore’s evolution in the glass, from the more mature, evolved tones of 2003 to the vibrant, tightly coiled energy of 2018 and 2019. In youth, Colore typically shows a deep, luminous ruby color that can verge toward garnet with bottle age, especially in the earlier vintages in this case. The older bottles (2003, 2008) display a slightly brick‑tinged rim and a more transparent core, while the younger wines (2015 onward) are dense, vivid and concentrated, hinting at the power within. On the nose, Colore is intensely perfumed: red cherries, wild raspberries and red currants interlace with dried roses, violets and a characteristic mineral, iron‑tinged earthiness from the high‑altitude Lamole vineyards. With time in the glass, notes of crushed flowers, blood orange peel, sweet tobacco, Mediterranean herbs and subtle spice emerge. The younger vintages (2018, 2019) tend to show more primary red fruit, floral lift and tension, while the 2015 and 2016 add layers of depth, graphite, warm stones and savory complexity. The more mature years, particularly 2003 and 2008, reveal secondary nuances—dried cherry, leather, forest floor and a gentle balsamic touch—alongside beautifully evolved aromas. On the palate, Colore is known for its precision and architecture: a wine with a firm backbone of Sangiovese acidity and structure, wrapped in the velvety tannins that Colorino brings to the blend. Expect an initial rush of pure red cherry and raspberry, followed by darker red fruits, citrus zest, and a fine, almost saline minerality. The texture is layered and powerful yet refined, with ripe, fine‑grained tannins that build in the mid‑palate and carry through to an exceptionally long, focused finish. The 2015 and 2016 vintages offer a particularly harmonious balance of richness and freshness, while 2018 and 2019 show thrilling energy, clarity of fruit and great promise. 2003 and 2008 bring an added dimension of tertiary complexity, with softer edges and a more silky, resolved feel. In terms of aging potential, every bottle in this set still has a long life ahead. The younger wines (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) will continue to evolve beautifully for 10–20+ years, gaining complexity and refinement. Even the older vintages are far from their endpoint: 2008 is at a superb drinking window now and should hold and develop gracefully, while 2003—already more mature—offers immediate pleasure with its evolved profile, yet can comfortably cellar for several more years if well stored.

Production
Colore is crafted from some of Tuscany’s oldest and most prized vineyards, primarily high‑altitude parcels in Lamole (around 90% of the blend), with a small portion from Vincigliata near Siena. These steep, elevated sites, with their poor, stony soils and cooler temperatures, deliver low yields of intensely flavored Sangiovese and Colorino, capturing both the purity of fruit and a distinctive mineral edge. The vines are exceptionally old—majestic plants between 80 and 135 years of age—providing naturally low yields and extraordinary concentration. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with an almost obsessive focus on selection. Each vineyard is picked up to eight separate times to ensure only perfectly ripe bunches are taken, and a second rigorous selection follows at the winery before destemming. The berries are then very gently pressed and placed into open‑top barriques, with each parcel kept separate to preserve its identity. Fermentation relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts from the grapes themselves, with 6–8 manual punchdowns per day and no temperature control, allowing a natural, expressive fermentation over about two weeks, followed by an additional week of maceration on the skins for depth and structure. After draining off, the wine is transferred into new barriques for malolactic fermentation, then aged for approximately three years in wood before release. Only the best barrels of the entire production are selected to become Colore, ensuring both the rarity and the uncompromising quality of the final wine.

Food & Serving
Colore is a powerful yet finely etched Tuscan red that shines alongside refined, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with classic Tuscan cuisine—bistecca alla fiorentina, slow‑braised beef or veal, wild boar ragù, game birds, roasted lamb, and dishes featuring porcini mushrooms or truffles. Mature cheeses such as aged Pecorino Toscano or hard sheep’s cheeses also make excellent companions, as do hearty pasta dishes with tomato, herbs and grilled vegetables. For optimal enjoyment, serve Colore at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Younger vintages (2015–2019) benefit from 2–3 hours of decanting to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatics to fully open, while the older bottles (especially 2003 and 2008) should be decanted more gently, about 30–60 minutes before serving, primarily to remove any sediment and let the evolved bouquet unfold without overexposure.

Producer
Bibi Graetz is one of Tuscany’s most intriguing and influential modern producers, based in the hills above Florence yet deeply rooted in the classic traditions of the region. Trained as an artist, Bibi turned to wine about two decades ago, choosing to focus not on international grape varieties but on the authenticity and character of native Tuscan grapes—first and foremost Sangiovese, alongside traditional varieties such as Colorino and Canaiolo. Working with extremely old, high‑altitude vineyards and minimal intervention in the cellar, he quickly developed a distinctive style that emphasizes purity, elegance, and the unmistakable voice of each vintage. Over the years, Bibi Graetz has become a reference point for contemporary Tuscan wine, with his flagship labels Colore and Testamatta consistently earning some of the highest scores from major international critics and publications. Colore, sourced from some of the rarest and oldest vines in the region, stands at the very top of his range, produced in tiny quantities and coveted by collectors worldwide. This 20th Anniversary Vertical Case not only celebrates two decades of winemaking but also documents the rise of Bibi Graetz from an ambitious outsider to one of the most acclaimed and sought‑after names in Tuscan wine.

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