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Bibi Graetz sets new record for bottle of Italian wine

15 July 2024 By Colin Hay

Renowned Italian wine producer Bibi Graetz has set a new record for Italian wine after a one-off 27-litre bottle of Colore 2016 became the most expensive Italian bottle ever sold.

The 27-litre bottle of Colore was designed exclusively in this one-of-a-kind large format to celebrate the first release of Bibi Graetz’s wines on the prestigious Place de Bordeaux last year.

Graetz, who is based at Fiesole, just outside Florence, is known for producing high quality wines, especially Tuscan red wines such as Colore and Testamatta (both of which are sold through La Place de Bordeaux) and the somewhat risqué Soffocone di Vincigliata.

In a gesture of characteristic creativity, Graetz, who grew up in a family of artists and collectors (his father was Swiss-Israeli sculptor Gidon Graetz whose public art sculptures are found in cities across the world) created a new painting for the label, inspired by the emotions and sensations that the 2016 vintage evoked in him. This work of art was then transformed into the label of this authentic collector’s piece.

The bottle was housed in a special case, made from the wood of the barrique in which the wine was aged, crowned by a stainless steel lid, and sealed with Bibi Graetz’s signature.

The bottle was purchased by a customer at luxury enoteca ARVI in Zurich for CHF 100,000 at the start of this month, bought with a credit card in an apparently impromptu purchase inspired by seeing the unique bottle and case.

The creative environment in which he grew up continues to influence Graetz’s his vision of his wine, leading him to develop a unique and innovative approach to viticulture and oenology. He follows an artisanal approach, working with small quantities of grapes from selected vineyards and his wines are appreciated for their distinctive personality, concentrated flavours and elegance.

He is considered one of the most talented and innovative winemakers in Tuscany, and his work has garnered him a host of admirers around the world. Last year Graetz joined forces with Hedonism Wines to create a vault exclusively devoted to his wines at the Mayfair store, housing what is claimed to be the most complete collection of Bibi Graetz wines in London, as reported by the drinks business.

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