Petrolo Galatrona 2020

Petrolo Galatrona 2020

 

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Petrolo
Galatrona 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Tuscany
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,3°
  • Grappes : 100% Merlot

The Petrolo Galatrona is an exceptional expression of Merlot, showcasing the rich terroir of Tuscany's Valdarno di Sopra region. This wine is renowned for its elegance, complexity, and depth, making it a sought-after choice for connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Experts Score Vintage
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 98 2020
JS James Suckling 97 2020
RP Robert Parker 96 2020
WE Wine Enthusiast 95 2020
DCT Decanter 93 2020
WS Wine Spectator 93 2020
W&S Wines & Spirits 96 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Valdarno di Sopra region, nestled near the Chianti area in Tuscany, boasts a rich winemaking heritage dating back to the Renaissance era and the Medici family. This area has always been celebrated for its potential to produce high-quality wines, thanks to its unique microclimate and diverse soil composition. The vineyards benefit from loam soil with rocky stratifications of schist, marl, and sandstone, contributing to the distinct minerality and complexity of the wines produced here.

Petrolo's vineyards, particularly the Galatrona-Feriale vineyard, are meticulously maintained under EU Organic Certification since 2016 and have practiced natural and sustainable farming since 2004. The commitment to dry farming, no tillage, total grassing with mulch management, and avoiding synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensures the health and vitality of the vines, producing grapes of exceptional quality.

Winemaking

The Petrolo Galatrona is crafted from 100% Merlot, selected from Bordeaux clones planted during the 1990s. The vinification process begins with natural fermentation using native yeasts in concrete vats, allowing for soft and frequent manual pumping over. This is followed by an extended skin maceration period of over 18 days, extracting deep color and complex flavors.

The wine undergoes 18 months of aging in French barriques, with one-third of the barrels being new oak. This period includes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in wood and constant batonnage of the fine lees during the first eight months, enhancing the wine's texture and depth. The meticulous winemaking process results in a wine with great structure, elegance, balance, and persistence.

Did you know?

Petrolo's Galatrona is often considered the Tuscan equivalent of Bordeaux’s greatest Merlots, such as Pétrus. Its unique microclimate and careful cultivation methods allow the grapes to develop noble components essential for producing one of Italy’s most coveted wines.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, intense ruby red.
  • Aroma: Complex bouquet with notes of blackberries, black olives, lavender, violets, and hints of sage.
  • Palate: Full-bodied yet elegant and energetic, featuring fine tannins and a remarkably long finish. The flavors mirror the aromatic profile with additional layers of dark chocolate and spice.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Duck Breast with Cherry Gastrique: The succulent duck breast, paired with a cherry gastrique, brings out the wine's dark fruit notes and fine tannins. The acidity of the cherry sauce complements the wine's balance and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.​​
  • Venison Stew with Juniper Berries: The gamey flavor of venison, enhanced by the aromatic juniper berries, aligns perfectly with the wine's herbal and spicy undertones. This hearty dish allows the wine's complexity and depth to shine.
  • Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu: The robust flavors of wild boar, slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, match the wine's full body and dark chocolate notes. The wide pappardelle noodles provide a satisfying texture that complements the wine's elegant finish.
  • Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Blue Cheese: The earthy, umami-rich grilled portobello mushrooms, topped with tangy blue cheese, enhance the wine's complexity and aromatic depth. This vegetarian option provides a unique pairing experience that highlights the wine's versatility.
  • Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin: The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze on the tender pork accentuates the wine's dark fruit and spice characteristics, while the tenderloin’s lean yet flavorful profile balances the wine’s structure.

History of Petrolo Estate

Petrolo's history is intertwined with the rich viticultural heritage of Tuscany. The estate is situated in Valdarno di Sopra, a region with a winemaking history dating back to the Renaissance, recognized by Cosimo III de’ Medici in 1716 for its valuable land for wine production. The Petrolo estate has seen significant developments since it was acquired by the Bazzocchi family in the 1940s.

Under the stewardship of Luca Sanjust, a former artist turned winemaker, Petrolo has flourished. Luca took over the estate in the 1980s, bringing a new vision and dedication to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Region and Vineyards

Petrolo's vineyards are located in Valdarno di Sopra, a DOC appellation in Tuscany bordered by the Chianti Classico region. The estate covers about 31 hectares of vineyards, which are planted primarily with Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards benefit from a mix of loam soils and rocky stratifications of schist, marl, and sandstone, which contribute to the complexity and depth of the wines.

Villa Petrolo

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with elevations ranging from 250 to 500 meters, providing ideal conditions for grape growing. The estate practices organic farming and sustainable viticulture, including dry farming and no tillage. These practices, along with meticulous care in the vineyard and cellar, ensure that the wines express the true character of the terroir while maintaining high environmental standards.

Wine Range

Petrolo produces a diverse range of wines that showcase the best of Tuscany:

  • Galatrona: A highly acclaimed Merlot, considered one of Tuscany’s finest.
  • Bòggina A: A Sangiovese made in amphorae, reflecting historical Etruscan winemaking techniques.
  • Bòggina B: A Trebbiano Toscano inspired by the great white wines of the past.
  • Torrione: Primarily made from Sangiovese, this wine is noted for its depth and regional character.

Each wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing minimal intervention and sustainable practices to preserve the natural expression of the vineyard.

Did You Know?

The name Petrolo is steeped in history, with the estate featuring an old tower built on Roman foundations. The choice to use amphorae for aging some of their wines connects them to Tuscany's ancient Etruscan roots, highlighting their dedication to tradition while embracing modern organic practices.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 98 Points (2020)
The 2020 Galatrona is stunning. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best vintages of the Galatrona I can remember tasting. I am especially impressed by its vertical intensity and explosive energy. All the elements are so impeccably woven together. Dark-toned fruit, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and spice build into the intense, palate-staining finish. The 2018 spent 18-20 months in French oak, about 25% new, with some larger barrels thrown into the mix. Magnificent. (AG) (8/2023)

James Suckling (JS) : 97 Points (2020)
Subtle yet intense aromas of black fruit and violets. Extremely perfumed. Crushed stones. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a mouth-feel of velvet that goes on for minutes. Refined and fresh. Al-dente fruit. From organically grown grapes. Better in three to four years.

Robert Parker (RP) : 96 Points (2020)
The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of organic Merlot and the estate's headline wine. It was first created in 1994 when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer heat that became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona shows terrific results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and thickly forested position almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that grows in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherry, toasted almond and dried mint fuel a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine boasts long-lasting flavors.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 95 Points (2020)
Dark berries, chocolate mousse, dried herbs and a bit of chili pepper heat show on the nose of this wine. The palate remains chocolatey but herbal, with a dark-cherry-syrup finish contrasted by chalky, gritty tannins and lingering heat. An absolute indulgence in the best way.

Decanter (DCT) : 93 Points (2020)
Some forest floor notes mingled with dark fruits and fresh herbs - liquorice and blackcurrant with hints of dark chocolate and thyme. Supple and mouthfilling, this has weight from the get go, the tannins massy, plush and fleshy filling the mouth with rich, concentrated black fruit flavours. Detailed and precise, this has power and is well framed with high acidity giving the lifeforce to balance the concentration. A hefty wine, with real might but still some finesse. Some spiced wood elements at the end and a sense of high alcohol.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2020)
A round, fruity red, with ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum, graphite and spice flavors. Starts out smooth, firming up on the finish, where refined tannins kick in. Shows fine balance, but give this a few years to integrate fully. Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2038.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 96 Points (2019)
When Giulio Gambelli found a plot of clay-rich soil on the Petrolo estate in 1989, he recommended planting merlot to blend with sangiovese. The first vintage was 1994, and the results were so good that Petrolo bottled a portion separately, creating Galatrona, a distinctly Tuscan rendering of merlot. In 2019, the wine’s flavors of fresh plum are densely packed with notes of dark chocolate and tobacco and enlivened by flecks of graphite and mint. It’s hard to resist those vibrant flavors and supple tannins now, yet this has plenty of cellaring potential.

Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra 2020
Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra 2020
Petrolo
Torrione Valdarno di Sopra 2020
RP
93
W&S
91
DCT
93
The Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra is a captivating blend that embodies the essence of Petrolo's winemaking philosophy. Known for its balance of power and finesse, this wine is a testament to the rich heritage and innovative spirit of the Valdarno di Sopra region.
27,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Petrolo Boggina A 2019
Petrolo Boggina A 2019
Petrolo
Boggina A 2019
RP
93
JS
94
WS
92
The Petrolo Bòggina A Valdarno di Sopra is a remarkable Sangiovese, crafted with respect for tradition and innovation. This wine exemplifies the unique terroir of Tuscany, reflecting the estate's commitment to organic and sustainable winemaking practices.
43,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Petrolo Boggina B 2020
Petrolo Boggina B 2020
Petrolo
Boggina B 2020
W&S
91
JS
98
RP
95
The Petrolo Bòggina B is an exquisite expression of 100% Trebbiano, brilliantly showcasing the potential of this often underrated variety to produce high-quality wines. This wine captivates with its floral notes, minerality, and exceptional balance, offering a sophisticated and complex tasting experience.
61,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Petrolo Bòggina C 2020
Petrolo Bòggina C 2020
Petrolo
Bòggina C 2020
RP
95
WS
93
JS
94
The Petrolo Bòggina C Valdarno di Sopra is a distinguished expression of 100% Sangiovese, reflecting the exceptional terroir of the Valdarno di Sopra region. This wine is celebrated for its earthy and spicy character, supported by sturdy tannins and rich flavors, making it a quintessential representation of Petrolo's winemaking excellence.
77,00 €
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Petrolo Galatrona 2021
Petrolo Galatrona 2021
Petrolo
Galatrona 2021
WS
96
RP
97
WE
97
A cult classic in the making, this wine stands as a benchmark for Merlot in Italy, consistently earning acclaim for its structure, balance, and longevity.
115,00 €
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Petrolo Galatrona 2022
Petrolo Galatrona 2022
Petrolo
Galatrona 2022
DCT
96
VN
94
JS
100
A critically acclaimed masterpiece, Galatrona 2022 received a perfect 100-point score from James Suckling, cementing its status as one of Italy’s most prestigious Merlot wines.
115,00 €
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