Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra 2020

Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra 2020

 

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Petrolo
Torrione Valdarno di Sopra 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Tuscany
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2020
JS James Suckling 95 2019
DCT Decanter 93 2019
W&S Wines & Spirits 91 2019
WS Wine Spectator 90 2012
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Valdarno di Sopra region, located near the Chianti area in Tuscany, boasts a rich winemaking heritage that dates back to the Renaissance era and the Medici family. This region is celebrated for its unique microclimate and diverse soil composition, making it ideal for producing high-quality wines. The vineyards benefit from loam soil with rocky stratifications of schist, marl, and sandstone, which contribute to the distinct minerality and complexity of the wines.

Petrolo’s vineyards, particularly for Torrione, are meticulously maintained with 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, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality.

Winemaking

The Petrolo Torrione is crafted from a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vinification process begins with a manual harvest, followed by grape selection and sorting. The natural vinification with native yeasts occurs in concrete vats, with soft and frequent manual pumping over. The wine undergoes skin maceration for 18 days, extracting deep color and complex flavors.

Aging involves 15 months of maturation, partly in 40hl French barriques and partly in concrete vats, with spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurring in oak barrels. This meticulous process enhances the wine’s texture and depth, resulting in a wine that is both structured and ethereal.

Did you know?

Torrione marks the beginning of Petrolo’s quality revolution and is considered the true identity of the estate. The inclusion of Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Sangiovese, lends these French varieties a distinctly Tuscan character, instilling a sense of place that is uniquely Petrolo.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby red.
  • Aroma: Inviting aromas of dark and blue fruits, with subtle notes of chocolate and spices, and hints of blue flowers and crushed stones.
  • Palate: Medium- to full-bodied, complex and structured, yet ethereal and weightless. The flavors reflect a harmonious balance of fruit and earthiness, with fine tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Braised Rabbit with Polenta: The tender rabbit meat, cooked in a savory broth, pairs beautifully with the wine’s complex structure and earthy notes. The creamy polenta complements the wine’s smooth texture.
  • Porcini Mushroom Risotto: The rich, umami flavors of porcini mushrooms enhance the wine’s depth and minerality, while the creamy risotto matches its elegant mouthfeel.
  • Grilled Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic: The herbal and savory flavors of grilled lamb bring out the wine’s nuanced aromas of spices and crushed stones, making for a harmonious pairing.
  • Panzanella Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes: This Tuscan bread salad, with its bright, fresh flavors, complements the wine’s fruity notes and provides a refreshing contrast to its structured body.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2020)
Luca Sanjust's Petrolo 2020 Torrione comes from a cool vineyard site surrounded by thick green forests. Made primarily with Sangiovese (and smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), the wine delivers beautiful fruit freshness with forest berry, cherry, blue flower and grilled herb. Production was down to about 35,000 bottles in this vintage (from about 60,000) because some of the Sangiovese was used in the Bòggina C single-vineyard wine instead. This is a highly accessible and enjoyable organic wine with a linear approach and a pretty dusty note on the tannins. This wine was first produced in 1988.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2019)
Very perfumed with sweet-berry and fresh-flower aromas that already show brightness and beauty. Perfumed. Full-bodied with very well-integrated tannins and pure, vivid fruit at the finish. This is all in finesse and depth. Drinkable now, but better in a couple of years.

Decanter (DCT) : 93 Points (2019)
Sweet oak spices with strawberry fruits and some juicy cherries with spicy undertones and hints of leather and cigar box.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2019)
This appealing blend of sangiovese (80 percent) with merlot and cabernet sauvignon offers juicy black cherry and plum flavors in a midweight frame with mouthwatering acidity that makes it a great partner at the dinner table.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 90 Points (2012)
Effusive aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry and peony highlight this elegant red. Well-integrated tannins amp up the structure and density on the finish. Best from 2016 through 2023. 3,750 cases made.

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 €
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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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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 €
Quantity : moins plus
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