Vintage Character Bibi Graetz 'Casamatta' Bianco 2023 is a white Toscana IGT from Bibi Graetz, made from Ansonica, Vermentino and Trebbiano. On Giglio, 2023 brought substantial winter rain after several drier, hotter years, rebuilding water reserves before a consistently mild growing season. Bibi Graetz reports an Ansonica harvest from mid-August into early September, with notably fresh acidity and aromatic lift. The contrast with the preceding hot summers matters: ripeness arrived without losing the saline, citrus-centred line of the island wine. The same weather applied across the estate's Giglio whites, while the blend, vineyard and cellar treatment make each bottling distinct.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing White flowers, lemon zest and orchard fruit open the nose, followed by the salt-edged freshness that the producer associates with Giglio. The dry palate is light to medium in weight, with bright acidity, restrained texture and a clean, gently saline finish. Grilled prawns, fried whitebait and citrus-dressed vegetables are more natural partners than heavily spiced dishes. The three-grape blend gives Ansonica's island character a softer Vermentino and Trebbiano frame, while cool fermentation keeps the aromas clear. A modest chill is useful, but an ice-cold glass would hide its quieter floral notes.
Winery Background Casamatta Bianco 2023 uses Giglio's younger vines, a different selection from the older fruit of Testamatta Bianco. Its stated blend is 60% Ansonica, 30% Vermentino and 10% Trebbiano. The grapes are hand picked, gently pressed with dry ice, fermented cool in stainless steel and kept there for six months before bottling. Bibi Graetz conceived it as a more immediate island white, with freshness and sapidity ahead of oak richness. His long personal connection with Giglio informs the project, and the wine is this three-variety blend made mainly in steel.