
Bibbona’s origins are extremely ancient and can be traced as far back as the Stone Age. In a later era, the Etruscans established themselves in the area and became experts in the art of winemaking. In the sixth century B.C., Bibbona became one of the most important castles in the Maremma and close to the year 1000, many of its lands were granted to the Della Gherardesca Counts, who already owned a large amount of territory in Tuscany. A little later, Bibbona became a free Municipality under the Republic of Pisa. This was the case until 1406, when it fell under Florentine rule. The original statutes governing the lives of the citizens date back to 1490 and remained in force until the end of the 1700s. From these, it can be deduced that grape growing was deeply rooted and very widespread, thanks to the high quality of the grapevines. Bibbona flourished considerably until 1549, when the lands, which up until then had belonged to the community, were granted to Cosimo I de Medici’s wife. The people of Bibbona were obliged to pay rent, which was called “Terratico” (related to the word for land), and from which the name of the present day DOC originates. The quality of the grapes from the harvests began to improve toward the end of the 18th century, when Pietro Leopoldo II had much of the swamp land reclaimed, and again in 1789, when the lands were returned to the Municipality of Bibbona and then sold to wealthy landowners.
The red wine should be served in medium sized glasses at a temperature of approximately 18°. This wine goes well with all meat dishes and pasta dishes with rich meat sauces.
In the designation of the DOC (controlled denomination of origin) “Terratico di Bibbona” wines, the name of the grapevine, where required, must be displayed on the label in letters no bigger than those used for the controlled denomination of origin. It is forbidden to add any other specification, including the adjectives extra, fine, scelto, selezionato and similar words, to the wording “Terratico di Bibbona.” It is mandatory, for all types of this wine, to display the year of the grape harvest on the label.