Bibi Graetz is one of the most distinctive and unconventional producers in Tuscany, widely regarded as a cult figure in modern Italian wine. Founded in 2000 in the hilltop village of Fiesole overlooking Florence, the winery has quickly gained international recognition for producing expressive, site-driven wines that challenge traditional expectations while remaining rooted in Tuscan identity.
Unlike many established estates, Bibi Graetz does not come from a traditional winemaking background. Originally trained as an artist and raised in a creative family, he approaches wine as a form of artistic expression, a philosophy that is reflected both in his winemaking and in his hand-painted labels. This unconventional path, combined with a lack of formal winemaking training, has helped shape a style that is intuitive, individual and highly recognisable.
A defining feature of the estate is its focus on old vineyards scattered across Tuscany. Graetz has assembled access to a wide network of mature, low-yielding vines, some several decades old, which form the backbone of his wines. These vineyards, often located in overlooked or historic sites, are key to the finesse, purity and complexity that characterise his top cuvées.
The wines are built primarily around indigenous Tuscan grape varieties, notably Sangiovese, alongside Canaiolo and Colorino. Rather than following the international “Super Tuscan” model of blending with Bordeaux varieties, Graetz has remained committed to these native grapes, using them to craft wines that are both modern in style and deeply connected to regional tradition.
In the cellar, the approach is focused on preserving vineyard character, with careful handling, natural fermentations and restrained use of oak. The goal is not to impose a heavy winemaking signature, but to allow each site and parcel to express itself clearly. This results in wines that combine intensity with freshness and aromatic clarity, often showing a distinctive balance between richness and energy.
Flagship wines such as Testamatta and Colore have played a central role in establishing Bibi Graetz’s reputation, achieving critical acclaim and strong demand among collectors. Produced in limited quantities and sourced from some of the estate’s finest old-vine parcels, these wines are now considered benchmarks of modern Tuscan winemaking.
For collectors and fine-wine buyers, Bibi Graetz represents a unique proposition within Tuscany: a producer that combines artistic vision, old-vine sourcing and a commitment to indigenous varieties to create wines that are both individual and highly sought after. His wines continue to attract global attention, reinforcing his status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Italian wine.
