Serene rolling hill slopes. Vast olives fields which stretch more than 30 hectares and hold more than three thousand plants. An expansive view of the castle of Monteriggion 270 and 310 metres above sea level. This is where Tenuta di Bibbiano is located, in the heart of Tuscany. The estate is owned by the brothers Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi, fifth generation, and is one of the oldest estates in the Chianti Classico belonging to the same family. Their wines are known around the world for their use of Sangiovese grapes, which, thanks to their tireless efforts, has fully demonstrated its true potential and gained popularity around the world, especially with fans of Tuscan wines and Chianti.


We were lucky enough to have a quick chat with Tommaso Marrocchesi Marzi, Owner/Winemaker of Tenuta di Bibbiano, and discuss all things wine, some delicious food pairing suggestions for their wines, and how COVID has affected their winery. Enjoy!



1. What makes your wine unique, especially Chianti Classico?


All the grapes are cultivated and fermented and the wine integrally bottled at the estate. They are the natural expression of the territory. The two single vineyards, classified as Gran Selezione, are furthermore expressions of the different climate the estate is divided with: the South-western slope and North-eastern.


2. Do you have a favourite wine in the range, which one and why?


It’s the Annata: enjoyable, fruitful, fresh, velvety and drinkable.


3. Could you give us your favourite food pairings with your core range?


Chianti Classico always with beefsteak, venison and game, pork sausage and roast beef. And pasta even! And with pizza, try the Listrice IGT Bianco or the Scappalepre IGT Rosato.


4. What is your favourite food and wine pairing?


I love the Chianti Classico Annata with the Wiener Schnitzel.


5. How are you adapting to the wine making challenges of climate change and Covid 19?


We are working with our team of oenologists (Maurizio Castelli, Luca Felicioni and Davide Biagiotti) to reduce the alcohol content in the wine and to be less weak to the late frost of early Spring. The struggle with Covid 19 will be won thanks to two elements: vaccines and e-commerce.


6. Finally, have you any fun facts about your winery that you would like our customers to know?


My father has had for his entire life the same consultant oenologist, Giulio Gambelli (1925-2012), who is a monument of the Tuscan winemaking. They were friends before anything else could have been of their relationship. One day, as my father arrived from one of his business trips through the US, he put the wine of Bibbiano into a bottle of Californian wine and the Californian into the Bibbiano bottle. He asked Giulio Gambelli to taste them and Giulio discovered the trick, of course.


Our recommendations:



 


Bibbiano Chianti Classico 2018


A wonderfully fruity and floral red wine from Italy's Bibbiano. This blend's grapes are from cooler north-eastern exposed vineyards with warmer, sun-soaked southwestern facing sites. Aged in concrete vats rather than oak. A very drinkable-now package. Expect floral notes with hints of cherry and woodsy undergrowth. Pairs well with beefsteak, venison, game, pork sausage, roast beef, and pasta.


ABV: 13.5% | €22.50


 


Bibbiano IGT Toscana Rosso


Produced with Sangiovese, Colorino, Trebbiano, and Malvasia grapes, harvested and selected by hand between September and October. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak tonneaux, for another 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels, and for 6 months in bottle before being placed on the market. Lots of fresh and lively aromas of ripe red fruits, balsamic notes, and wild mint. On the palate, it is fresh and elegant, with a good balance between acidity and tannins. Perfect to accompany red meats and game.


ABV: 14.5% | €91.00


 


Bibbiano Chianti Classico Gran Capannino


Well balanced and harmonious, with a very pleasant taste and sweetness due to the velvety and ripe tannins. Aromas of sour black cherry, prune, balsamic with sweet spices, cinnamon, and cloves. End with a long persistence. Pairs well with traditional cold cuts: salami and matured sheep and cow cheeses. Also works well when paired with roasted white and red meats, pasta with traditional game meat sauces or heavy creamy sauces.


You can find our full range of Tenuta di Bibbiano’s fantastic wines at Irish Drink Shop. And if you still can’t find that perfect wine, then be sure to contact us and we’ll be delighted to assist!


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