What?
Juice 2019 Casamatta Biacno, Toscana IGT, ITA
Grape 60% Vermentino, 30% Trebbiano, 10% Ansonico
Farming Practising Organic
Tasting Note Zesty aromas with orange and hints of peach. The Vermentino brings citrus and maritime freshness with herbal notes, whilst the Trebbiano and Ansonico add body and weight along with hints of pear and exotic fruits.
Who?
Bibi Graetz may have started his career in art rather than viticulture, but in just two decades has risen to become one of Tuscany's (if not Italy’s) cult winemakers. Crafting wines in a medieval castle overlooking the city of Florence, he turned his back on the constraints of the Chianti DOCG in favour of indigenous varietals and innovative, risk-taking winemaking.
Why?
Bibi eschews popular trends and favours old vines, working with some that reach up to 80 years old, meaning every choice in the vineyard matters. He has taken steps to pioneer sustainability and organics in his winemaking, mastering the art of extracting highly concentrated fruit from low yielding plants. Using only indigenous yeasts and free-run juice to produce beautifully balanced wines that, in true Bibi style, really pack a punch.
With?
An incredibly versatile wine from a pairing point of view, regional pairings include Fritto Misto (deep fried mixed seafood) with Aioli or Fresh Broad Beans with Pecorino. With Ligurian expression of the variety Pesto Genovese is a classic match and Spaghetti alle Vongole. From the deli, hard salty cheeses are an absolute winner, think Manchego and Pecorino.
