BIBI GRAETZ SOFFOCONE DI VINCIGLIATA IGT 2023

BIBI GRAETZ SOFFOCONE DI VINCIGLIATA IGT 2023

Style Summary

A beautifully expressive and distinctly Tuscan Sangiovese from the hills of Vincigliata in Fiesole, overlooking Florence. Soffocone holds a special place in the Bibi Graetz portfolio: it is the only wine named after the vineyard from which it originates, the hillside where Bibi began his winemaking project. Produced from 100% Sangiovese grown on galestro-rich soils, it combines ripe Tuscan fruit with freshness, elegance and savoury complexity.

Region: Fiesole, Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Style: Medium to full-bodied, elegant Tuscan red
Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
Ageing: 18 months in traditional large oak casks

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Generous aromas of ripe red cherry, wild raspberry and plum are layered with violet, dried Mediterranean herbs, tobacco, sweet spice and a subtle touch of vanilla.

Palate:
Juicy and expressive, with ripe cherry and red berry fruit at its core. The richness of the 2023 vintage is balanced by Sangiovese's characteristic freshness, with savoury herbs, tobacco and gentle spice adding complexity.

Structure:
Medium to full-bodied with vibrant acidity and finely integrated tannins. There is impressive concentration without heaviness, maintaining the combination of intensity and elegance for which Soffocone is known. The 2023 has received 95 points from James Suckling, 91 from Robert Parker and 91 from Decanter.

Finish:
Long and polished, with lingering red cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and subtle earthy spice.

Summary

Soffocone di Vincigliata is Bibi Graetz's tribute to Sangiovese and the Tuscan hillside where his story began. The Vincigliata vineyard sits above Florence on galestro-rich soils, producing Sangiovese with natural freshness, perfume and distinctive mineral character. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and ageing in traditional large oak vessels allow the vineyard and grape to remain at the centre of the wine.

The result is a compelling expression of modern Tuscany: generous enough to enjoy young, yet unmistakably Italian in its acidity, savoury character and structure.

Vintage Notes

The 2023 Soffocone shows an attractive combination of ripe fruit, freshness and structure. Red fruits dominate the aromatic profile, complemented by tobacco and subtle vanilla, while the palate retains the energetic acidity that gives Sangiovese its natural vitality. The vintage has been particularly well received critically, led by a 95-point James Suckling score.

Drinking Window

2026–2036

Already approachable with approximately an hour of air, particularly alongside food, but its acidity and tannic structure should allow it to develop gracefully over the next decade. With bottle age, expect the vibrant cherry fruit to evolve toward dried cherry, leather, tobacco, herbs and earthy complexity.

Food Pairing

Excellent with pappardelle with wild boar ragù, bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb, porchetta, slow-braised beef, mushroom risotto, aged Pecorino Toscano, or a generous board of Italian cured meats. Its freshness also makes it an excellent partner for tomato-based pasta and rustic Tuscan dishes.