Petrolo Galatrona 2020

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.

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.