| Region of production: | Chianti Classico |
| Winery Location: | Castellina, Siena |
| Year Established: | 1865 |
Vineyard Holdings
30 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Bibbiano Chianti Classico DOCG: Red grapes sourced from across the estate. Fermented and aged in cement vats. Inaugural vintage 1969.
- Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG : A higher percentage of Sangiovese used. Fermented in cement vats and aged in used tonneaux. Inaugural vintage 1973.
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montornello DOCG: Fermented in cement and aged in tonneaux and large botti. Inaugural vintage 1982.
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Capannino DOCG: Fermented in cement and aged in tonneaux and botti. Inaugural vintage 1988.
- Bibbianaccio IGP: 50% Sangiovese, 45% Colorino, and the remainder Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca. Grapes taken from all estate vineyards. Aged two years in tonneaux and botti. Inaugural vintage 2011.
Average Total Production
- 120,000 bottles
Summary
Tenuta di Bibbiano was founded in 1865 when the property was sold to the Marzi brothers, ancestors of the current owners. The property sustained significant damage during World War II. Reconstruction, including the addition of a large cellar and new plantings of vineyards and olive groves, lasted from 1950 to 1970. The first bottles under the estate’s own label were from the 1969 vintage. Famed winemaker Giulio Gambelli worked for decades as a consultant, influencing the estate with his commitment to 100% Sangiovese wines and a traditional style. Bibbiano covers two slopes: the northeast-facing Montornello and the southwest-facing Vigna del Capannino. The latter was first planted in 1955 to 1960 using original Montalcino grapes of Sangiovese Grosso brought in by Gambelli. Bibbiano is now owned by the family’s fifth generation, Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Bibbiano employs very traditional winemaking practices, including use of cement vats and large barrels. Malolactic fermentation always occurs in cement vats, and no new oak is used. The Chianti Classico and Riserva see a traditional blend of all of the grape varieties on the estate, while the single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines are over 90% Sangiovese with the addition of only red grapes.
Producer Website: Tenuta di Bibbiano