Crazy Name. Crazy Flavor. Crazy Good Reviews!
2023 Bibi Graetz Casamatta Toscana Rosso IGT | Tuscany, Italy
A little crazy, molto delicious, and four impressive critical scores to back it up!
Casamatta plays on the Italian words for “crazy house,” and with 94 points, rave reviews, and oodles of Tuscan personality packed into one bottle, we’re thrilled to invite you into this “crazy house.”
This isn’t just another Tuscan red. It’s a brilliantly expressive Sangiovese from one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers, bursting with juicy cherries, fragrant rose petals, bright citrus, and just enough savory character to keep things interesting.
Bibi Graetz may be famous for his extraordinary, collectible Tuscan wines, but Casamatta proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience a little of his winemaking magic. When our team put together our Top 10 wines to feature this holiday season, Casamatta made the list without hesitation.
The Critics Are Going Crazy for the 2023 Vintage!
94 Points – James Suckling
Beguiling aromas of orange peel, rose petals, and sour cherries lead to crunchy red fruit, tangy freshness, and a beautifully crisp finish. An energetic, light-to-medium-bodied Sangiovese.
93 Points – Decanter
Silky and slightly creamy, with lively cherry fruit, orange peel, coffee, and fresh herbs. Decanter highlights how dramatically production has been reduced over the years in pursuit of greater quality.
92 Points – Vinous
Eric Guido celebrates its spiced orange peel, crushed cherries, juicy wild berries, vibrant acidity, and mineral freshness. A wonderfully energetic wine that leaves you wanting another sip.
91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Monica Larner finds ripe strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blue flowers, and subtle earthy notes, all wrapped in a soft, inviting texture.
An Artist’s Touch in Every Bottle
Before becoming one of Tuscany’s most celebrated winemakers, Bibi Graetz was an artist. Raised in a family of artists in Florence, he brought that same creativity and independent spirit into the vineyards. Today, his acclaimed Testamatta and Colore wines have earned him an international following.
Casamatta, affectionately known as the little Testamatta, shares that same dedication to expressive Sangiovese, but in an approachable, wonderfully playful style. Made from 100% Sangiovese grown in the Tuscan hills, Casamatta is fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the freshness, purity, and bright red fruit that make the grape so irresistible.
We love being able to bring a wine with this much acclaim and elegant taste to holiday gatherings. A quick story about the winemaker before your guests taste their first sip makes it especially memorable.
Its juicy cherry fruit, subtle savory character, elegant tannins, and beautiful acidity make it one of those rare wines that can move effortlessly from cocktail hour to the dinner table.
From decadent hors d’oeuvres and beautiful charcuterie boards to holiday dinners featuring succulent beef tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, or savory roasted pork, Casamatta is ready for every celebration! Its beguiling fruit complements those rich, indulgent flavors, while its lively acidity refreshes the palate and makes every bite even more delicious.
A Holiday Appetizer Worth Going “Crazy” For!
I love serving comforting, cheesy mushroom appetizers when it’s cold. This is a mainstay on my holiday table and a showstopper with Sangiovese: Wild Mushroom Crostini with Fontina & Rosemary.
What’s great about this appetizer is you can make it ahead of time so you can focus on company or bring it to a gathering.
Toasted baguette, wild mushrooms, shallots, garlic, cream, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, Fontina, and Parmesan. Broil until golden and bubbling, then serve warm with a glass of Casamatta.
If you know what’s good for you, get the FANCY cheese for this recipe! We’d recommend Fontina Val d’Aosta DOP and real Parmigiano Reggiano, Stravecchio if you can find one.
Wine at a Glance
Wine: 2023 Bibi Graetz Casamatta Toscana Rosso IGT
Producer: Bibi Graetz
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14% ABV
Body: Light to medium
Tasting Notes: Juicy cherry, raspberry, rose petals, orange peel, fresh herbs, and earthy minerality
Drinking Window: Now–2030
Food Pairings: Wild mushroom crostini, charcuterie, aged Pecorino, beef tenderloin, herb-roasted pork, lamb, and pasta Bolognese