The Petrolo estate in Val d'Arno di Sopra ranges over 272 hectares and sits just a mile outside the south-eastern border of the Chianti Classico region, in northern Tuscany. The estate is also rather elevated, being about 250 to 400 meters above sea level, mostly comprising of loose-packed soil, claystone, shale and lime stone.

Unlike most of Chianti Classico that is simply covered in vineyards, where the Petrolo estate resides, it is mostly woods that shelter a mix of vineyards and olive groves, which in turn has some influence on the flavour profiles of Petrolo. Interestingly, going as far back as 300 years ago during the Renaissance period, it was already rather well-known that this area - even if it does not reside in the more notable Chianti Classico region - had great potential for winemaking. A 1716 edict from Cosimo III de Medici, who was the Great Duke of Tuscany, had recognised four areas that were highly suitable for winemaking - central Chianti (between Panzano and Greve), Carmignano (west of Florence), Pomino (east of Florence) and Val d'Arno di Sopra (which is where Petrolo resides).

Nevertheless it wasn't until the estate was bought by Gastone Bazzocchi in the 1940s that the estate would eventually be catapulted into its cult status. Under Bazzocchi's family, the estate began to cultivate high quality Sangiovese wines, whilst also having achieved organic status. Besides Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca varieties are also grown - yet ultimately it has been Merlot that Petrolo became legendary for. Worth noting is also that Petrolo has also produced its own organic olive oils, IGP Toscano and Laudemio since the 1990's.

Another key part of the Petrolo story is third-generation Luca Sanjust, Bazzocchi's grandson, who was originally an art scholar and a successful painter, but later decided in the 1980's to return to his family's vineyards upon the convincing of his mother, Lucia. It was under Luca that the quality revolution occurred from the 80's to the 90's, and the entire Tuscan region came to be recognised for the revival of an incredible quality of both French and native-Tuscan varieties.

Under Sanjust and his mother, the Galatrona vineyards were planted in 1990, and were named after a medieval tower that overlooks the estate. It was nevertheless an incredible moment of serendipity when in 1994, the family had completely forgotten about one parcel of Merlot (at the time the practice was simply to blend the Merlot into its Sangiovese). Given that it was harvested so late, the family was unsure of the quality of the parcel and thus decided to vinify it separately - a chance encounter with notable wine critic, James Suckling, would convince the Sanjusts to simply bottle it as a pure Merlot - and the rest is history. Galatrona has since become not only Petrolo's first Merlot, but was as mentioned earlier, what has become the signature of Petrolo.

The winery also stands out for its fermentations which occur in glazed cement vats using native yeasts, with most of the wines aged in French barriques. The relatively higher sunshine exposure in the area also means that its grapes develop more concentrated flavours with good acidity.

Today we're going to try Petrolo's Galatrona 2019! 

PS. Don't you just love the stylish and modern label! 

Petrolo, "Galatrona" 2019 - Review

100% Merlot, Val d'Arno di Sopra in Tuscany, Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC Appellation, Soil: marl, alberese, sandstone, claystone and flakes of shale.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The aroma is elegant, remarkably clean and focused. A plume of luscious fruit takes center stage – think sweet, jammy blackcurrants, plump morello cherries, and a hint of maraschino cherry sweetness. This fruitiness is beautifully layered with earthier tones of clove spice and dried tobacco leaves, revealing depth without sacrificing the vibrancy of the fruit.

Palate: The wine delivers a satisfyingly full-bodied experience on the palate. It's vibrant and well-integrated, with a rounded character. While straightforward in its flavour profile, it boasts lovely balance. Sweet cassis and a touch of liquorice mingle with subtle clay notes. The sweetness is present, but not at all overwhelming.

Finish: The finish is long and evolving, shifting away from the fruit and showcasing lingering spices. Black pepper, cloves and tobacco leaf intertwine with a delightful aftertaste reminiscent of rich raspberry jam.

My Thoughts

This is a really enjoyable Merlot! It shines with its full body, generous flavours, and excellent structure. Its nose pours forth rich aromas, showcasing both vibrant fruit and subtle earthiness. While the palate's flavour profile is rather straightforward, there's an undeniable fullness and satisfying roundness. The evolving finish adds complexity, ending on a high note of dense, sweet raspberry jam.

@CharsiuCharlie