Petrolo Galatrona 2022

Region and Vineyards

Galatrona is produced from a single vineyard of Merlot, planted between the late 1980s and mid-1990s using low-vigor Bordeaux clones. The vineyard, covering 10 hectares, is home to 50,000 vines trained in a spurred cordon system, ensuring low yields and concentrated fruit.

Situated at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from a southeastern exposure, nestled on the southeastern borders of the Chianti Hills within the Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC. The soil is loam rich in clay, with shale, marl, and sandstone, allowing the vines to retain moisture during hot Tuscan summers. This unique terroir contributes to Galatrona’s balance of structure, power, and elegance, even in challenging vintages.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage was crafted using organic viticulture methods, a practice Petrolo has followed since 2004, achieving official organic certification in 2016. The vineyard is maintained using dry farming, no tillage, and total grassing, with manual interventions only when necessary.

The grapes were harvested by hand and carefully selected on sorting tables. Fermentation occurred spontaneously with native yeasts in glazed concrete vats, with soft and frequent manual pump-overs to enhance extraction.

Malolactic fermentation was carried out in French oak, followed by an aging period of 18 to 20 months in French oak tonneaux and barriques, with one-third new barrels. The wine also underwent batonnage of the fine lees for the first 8 months, adding further texture and depth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with violet reflections.
• Aroma: A captivating bouquet of blackberries, ripe plums, violets, and dark cherries, intertwined with hints of cocoa, sweet spices, and graphite.
• Palate: Rich and structured, with layers of dark fruit, silky tannins, and a fine mineral backbone. The wine showcases impressive depth, freshness, and a long, persistent finish that highlights the elegance of Tuscan Merlot.

Did you know?

Galatrona is named after the medieval watchtower that still stands on Petrolo’s estate, dating back to the 11th century. This historical landmark reflects the winery’s deep-rooted connection to its land and heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina – The rich and structured tannins of Galatrona beautifully complement the juicy, charred texture of the Florentine steak.
• Duck breast with cherry sauce – The wine’s dark fruit profile and fine acidity enhance the sweet-savory complexity of this dish.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano – A perfect match, as the wine’s boldness and refined tannins balance the nutty, salty character of the cheese.
• Pappardelle with wild boar ragu – The earthy depth of the wine pairs wonderfully with the rich, gamey flavors of slow-cooked wild boar.

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.