Red Wine Bibi Graetz Balocchi n.º8 Podere dell’Olmo 2022, 75cl Tuscany, Italy

Origin and Terroir Balocchi N.º 8 comes from a select plot within the Olmo vineyard, home to vines around 60 years old. Situated at high altitude and benefiting from constant ventilation, this plot offers exceptional conditions for revealing the freshness, elegance and character of Canaiolo. The sandy-clay soils, rich in galestro, contribute to the wine’s mineral expression and structure. Balocchi N.º 8 2022 is made exclusively from 100% Canaiolo, a grape variety cultivated in Tuscany for centuries and one that finds particularly favourable conditions at Olmo to fully express its character. Here, altitude and natural ventilation help preserve the acidity and freshness that are essential to the wine’s elegance and definition. Vinification and Ageing The grapes destined for Balocchi N.º 8 are hand-harvested from the oldest plot in the Olmo vineyard at the optimum stage of ripeness. After an initial selection in the vineyard, a second selection is carried out in the winery before destemming. The Canaiolo grapes are gently pressed and placed in open-top vats, where spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place. During the most intense phase of fermentation, manual punch-downs are carried out up to 45 times a day, with the frequency gradually reduced to just two very gentle punch-downs, with the aim of keeping the cap moist. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to used barrels, up to 20 years old, where malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine is aged for approximately two years before bottling. About the Label In homage to the spirit of Balocchi — the Italian word for “toys” — Bibi Graetz invited his children to create the wine labels. For Balocchi N.º 8, the painting was created by Bibi’s youngest son, Ludovico. Vineyard Details Vineyard: Olmo — single plot Soil: Sandy-clay, rich in galestro Altitude: Up to 450 m Exposure: West-facing