Petrolo Galatrona 2022

Petrolo Galatrona 2022

 

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Petrolo
Galatrona 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Tuscany
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Merlot

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 100 2022
DCT Decanter 96 2022
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 94 2022
More information on wine critics and ratings

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.

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 100 Points (2022)
The floral aromas are spellbinding, with aromas of violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals, and some oranges. It’s medium- to full-bodied with crunchy and open-grain tannins that are creamy and caressing. It’s endless in the finish. Crunchy and energetic. A wine that is thoughtful and gives you such great pleasure. Such purity. It’s like eating perfectly ripened grape must. Pure merlot. Drinkable in many ways, but will come together beautifully. A new reference point for merlot in Italy. 

Decanter (DCT) : 96 Points (2022)
Petrolo's single-vineyard Merlot from the Arno Valley is a benchmark Tuscan example of the variety. Vinified in cement tanks, it then spends around 20 months in French oak barriques, one-third new. Bonfire and spiced plum aromas lead to a vibrant, tightly coiled palate full of energy. The black and red berry core is precise and generous, while there's an underlying salinity which connects the fruit and gum-tingling acidity. The tannins are ripe and round, fine and dextrous, laying in support rather than in a leading role. Very primary and with a noticeably woody finish at present, this demands time to show it at its best.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 94 Points (2022)
The 2022 Galatrona, 100% Merlot, is another super-attractive wine from Petrolo. It offers lovely up-front appeal to match its easygoing personality. Blue/purplish fruit, licorice, lavender, spice and mocha meld together. The 2022 naturally does not have the structure or depth of the top years, but that simply was not possible in this vintage.

Petrolo Galatrona 2020
Petrolo Galatrona 2020
Petrolo
Galatrona 2020
JS
97
VN
98
DCT
93
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.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
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
JS
94
RP
93
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
JS
94
WS
93
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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Wine regions guide
115,00 €
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