Bibi Graetz Testamatta Casamatta Rosso

Bibi Graetz Testamatta Casamatta Rosso is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany, Italy, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced entirely in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity, Casamatta Rosso represents the most approachable entry point in Bibi Graetz's acclaimed portfolio, sourcing grapes from young vineyards stretching from north of Florence south toward Siena.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Tuscany, Italy  |  Varietal: 100% Sangiovese  |  Producer: Bibi Graetz, Fiesole

Production & Heritage

Bibi Graetz operates from Castello di Vincigliata, a historic castle in the hills of Fiesole overlooking Florence. Founded by artist-turned-winemaker Bibi Graetz, the estate has earned widespread critical attention for its Testamatta line, with top cuvées regularly reviewed by Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and James Suckling. Casamatta Rosso draws its fruit from the youngest vineyards in the Graetz portfolio and is vinified and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks — a deliberate choice to strip away oak influence and deliver transparent, vibrant Sangiovese character. Where Testamatta and Colore represent concentration and complexity, Casamatta Rosso is built around immediacy and drinkability.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe red cherries and raspberry lead the nose, joined by hints of fresh violets and aromatic herbs. Subtle earthy undertones — loam and a trace of iron — add dimension without overwhelming the fruit.

Taste: The entry is bright and juicy, with sour cherry and plum flavors arriving alongside crisp acidity. The mid-palate broadens into gentle spice and a touch of smoke, while soft, low tannins keep the texture smooth and approachable. Medium body throughout, never heavy.

Finish: The finish is fresh and surprisingly vibrant, with lingering cherry fruit and a clean, slightly dusty quality. Moderate in length, it leaves an impression of purity rather than power.

How to Drink Casamatta Rosso

Casamatta Rosso is built for drinking slightly cool — around 60–64°F — without the need for extended decanting. Its fresh acidity and low tannins make it a natural choice for casual, food-friendly occasions.

• Sangiovese Spritz: The wine's bright cherry character and crisp acidity hold up well when used as the base of a red wine spritz with sparkling water and a citrus twist.
• Kalimotxo: Its vibrant fruit and smooth tannins make it a surprisingly effective partner for this simple red wine and cola cocktail popular across Spain.
• Classic carafe wine: Casamatta Rosso's uncomplicated purity shines when poured straight from the bottle at a dinner table, making it an ideal house red.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinners where you want an honest Tuscan Sangiovese without overthinking the pairing
• Introducing someone to Sangiovese who finds tannic Chianti Classico Riserva too structured
• Summer outdoor gatherings — its freshness rewards a slight chill
• Building a mixed case to explore the Bibi Graetz range from entry level to Testamatta

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casamatta Rosso taste like? Casamatta Rosso delivers juicy cherry and plum flavors with bright acidity, soft tannins, and subtle earthy undertones of loam and iron. It is medium-bodied with a fresh, clean finish that emphasizes pure Sangiovese fruit.

How does Casamatta Rosso compare to Chianti? Both are Sangiovese-based Tuscan reds, but Casamatta Rosso is vinified entirely in stainless steel, giving it a more transparent, fruit-forward profile with lower tannins than most Chianti, which typically sees some oak aging. Chianti also often includes small percentages of blending grapes, while Casamatta Rosso is 100% Sangiovese.

Is Casamatta Rosso good for beginners? Yes — its low tannins, bright fruit, and stainless-steel purity make it one of the most approachable Sangiovese wines available. It requires no decanting and drinks well immediately upon opening.

Where is Casamatta Rosso made? Casamatta Rosso is produced by Bibi Graetz at Castello di Vincigliata in Fiesole, located in the hills just north of Florence in Tuscany, Italy. The grapes are sourced from young vineyards spanning the area between Florence and Siena.

What foods pair well with Casamatta Rosso? Margherita pizza works naturally with its cherry fruit and acidity. Pasta with tomato-based sauces — arrabbiata, puttanesca, or a simple pomodoro — mirrors the wine's bright, savory profile. Grilled chicken or sausages complement its medium body, while a Caprese salad benefits from the wine's fresh acidity. Aged Pecorino Toscano brings out the earthy side of the Sangiovese.

What sizes does Casamatta Rosso come in? Casamatta Rosso is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Casamatta Rosso worth the price? Casamatta Rosso positions as an entry-level expression within the Bibi Graetz portfolio, which ascends through Casamatta Buongiorno, Testamatta, and ultimately Colore. At its price tier, it delivers genuine Tuscan Sangiovese character from a critically recognized producer, making it strong value for an everyday red.

Why Casamatta Rosso?

What distinguishes Casamatta Rosso from the crowded field of Tuscan Sangiovese is its uncompromising commitment to stainless steel. By refusing any oak contact, Bibi Graetz preserves a level of fruit transparency that most Sangiovese at this price point simply does not achieve. The wine carries the credibility of a producer whose top releases earn scores in the high 90s from major critics, yet it remains deliberately unpretentious — a vibrant, food-ready red that lets the grape speak without interference. For anyone curious about what Sangiovese tastes like stripped to its essentials, Casamatta Rosso is a clear and compelling answer.