Petrolo
Val d'Arno di Sopra Merlot Vigna Galatrona 2023
| Denomination | DOC Valdarno di Sopra Merlot |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Aging | Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques (about one third new) with six months on the fine lees, followed by six months of bottle ageing. |
- Grape variety and origin: 100% organic Merlot, Valdarno di Sopra DOC designation, Tuscany
- Aroma: notes of black cherry, spices and dark chocolate
- Taste: soft tannins, lively acidity and a persistent finish
- Vinification: indigenous yeasts in cement; aged for 18 months in barrique
- Serving: decant for 1-3 hours at 16-18°C with red meats and cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Galatrona by Petrolo is a still organic red wine from Tuscany, made exclusively from Merlot grapes. Produced in the Valdarno di Sopra area, it displays a deep dark ruby colour, enhanced by elegant violet highlights. On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied and elegant character, supported by vibrant freshness and ultra-fine tannins, perfectly integrated into the structure. A pronounced savoury-mineral streak accompanies the long, taut finish, enriched with nuances of dark chocolate and tobacco. This is a structured and precise wine, capable of undergoing a prolonged evolution over time.
Where it comes from
This oenological expression originates in the Colli Aretini area, from vineyards located on the hills of Mercatale Valdarno. The Galatrona vineyard, facing south-east between two hundred and fifty and four hundred and fifty metres above sea level, benefits from the Tuscan continental climate, ideal for encouraging regular ripening and preserving acid balance. The calcareous soils, enriched with galestro, schist, marl and alberese, give the Merlot a dense and profound tannic texture. The Petrolo estate adopts strict certified organic viticulture with very low yields, offering a clear aromatic profile of dark fruits, flowers, spices and delicate smoky notes.
How it is produced
After meticulous manual harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation in vitrified cement tanks, activated exclusively by indigenous yeasts. The temperature-controlled process involves careful pumping over and a prolonged maceration on the skins, essential for optimal extraction of colour and structure. Once spontaneous malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine matures for eighteen months in French oak barrels, resting on the fine lees for the first six months. A further six months of ageing before release consolidates a compact, layered sip with exceptional persistence.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1947, Fattoria Petrolo has achieved oenological excellence thanks to the vision of the Bazzocchi Sanjust family. Produced on an ancient medieval estate dominated by the historic Torrione of Roman origin, this superb single-varietal Merlot from the 2023 vintage enhances the prestige of the Valdarno di Sopra DOC denomination. Deep respect for the land is reflected in a strict organic certification, the culmination of sustainable farming practices. An unmissable label, boasting extraordinary ratings from critics such as Falstaff and James Suckling.
Awards
-
2023
95/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2023
98/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2023
96/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2023
95/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1947
- Oenologist: Carlo Ferrini
- Bottles produced: 85.000
- Hectares: 31
Read more
| Name | Petrolo Val d'Arno di Sopra Merlot Vigna Galatrona 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red organic still |
| Denomination | Valdarno di Sopra DOC |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Petrolo |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1947, Fattoria Petrolo has achieved oenological excellence thanks to the vision of the Bazzocchi Sanjust family. Produced on an ancient medieval estate dominated by the historic Torrione of Roman origin, this superb single-varietal Merlot from the 2023 vintage enhances the prestige of the Valdarno di Sopra DOC denomination. Deep respect for the land is reflected in a strict organic certification, the culmination of sustainable farming practices. An unmissable label, boasting extraordinary ratings from critics such as Falstaff and James Suckling. |
| Origin | Valdarno di Sopra (Colli Aretini), Tuscany, Italy |
| Climate | Tuscan continental climate |
| Soil composition | Calcareous soils with galestro and schist, with rocky stratifications of marl, sandstone and alberese |
| Plants per hectare | 5.000 |
| Yield per hectare | 20 hl |
| Fermentation temperature | Within 28-30 °C |
| Production technique | Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in vitrified cement tanks (separate fermentations according to grape type and origin), prolonged maceration on the skins with careful pump-overs and temperature controlled within 28-30 °C; spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Ageing for 18 months in French oak barriques (about one third new) with the wine resting on fine lees for the first 6 months, then bottle ageing for 6 months. |
| Wine making | Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in vitrified cement tanks (separate fermentations according to grape type and origin), prolonged maceration on the skins with careful pumping over and temperature controlled between 28-30°C; spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques (about one third new) with the wine resting on fine lees for the first 6 months, then matured in bottle for 6 months. |
| Aging | Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques (about one third new) with six months on the fine lees, followed by six months of bottle ageing. |
| Total acidity | 5.6 gr/L |
| Residual sugar | 1.02 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |