“Galatrona” Merlot Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC 2022 (BIO) · MAGNUM in gift box

Fattoria Petrolo | Tuscany
Petrolo s.a. s.s. | Loc. Petrolo 30 | IT 52021 Bucine

09822422 · 1,5 l · 146,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping7 units available

At the end of the 1980s, Luca Sanjust planted the first Merlot clones in the clay-rich soils of Feriale, unaware that he would create a legend. The name Galatrona – once the dominion of the Tuscan dynasty, whose medieval watchtower towers over the ten-hectare vineyard – was to become synonymous with Italian Merlot perfection. "Le Pin of Tuscany", as Wine Spectator calls it, but at a fraction of the price of this mythical Pomerol. The 50,000 vines on southeast-facing terraces combine Bordeaux genetics with Tuscan soul. Clay stores the moisture that Merlot needs in the hot summers, while slate, marl and sandstone provide the mineral complexity.

Deep purple colour, almost black at the core. The floral aromas are beguiling: violets, lilac, orange peel, raspberries and rose petals dance in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, with crisp, creamy, flattering tannins and an open structure. Endless on the finish, crisp and full of energy – a wine that makes you think and gives you pure pleasure. It is like eating perfectly ripe grapes. After 28 vintages, Galatrona has become more than just wine: It is the manifestation of Luca Sanjust's conviction that great wines must speak the language of their terroir, beyond the grape variety from which they are made. Pure poetry in bottle form and a wine that has no need to hide behind Masseto & Co. On the contrary, for us it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthfully restrained nose, very silky and appealingly sweetish, quite full-bodied and brooding. Very delicate and multi-layered, with very powerful, densely layered tannins and an excellent, powerful centre. A Merlot that still appears very youthful, but already shows that it has been crafted from a single mould and will develop an engaging, intense fullness in a few years' time. At present, it is merely reduced to the tannins and youthful extract sweetness. But everything appears to be bound in the right measure and firmly fleshed out. Highly condensed and controlled, it makes use of a powerful, massive structure that is held in place by the fine-grained, tightly woven tannins and lively acidity. A very beautiful super Tuscan with real charm." Weinwisser

"Rich ruby colour with a violet hue. Shows a lot of sweet, dark berry fruit on the nose, lots of blackberry and wild raspberry, plus fine tobacco and chocolate notes, some cardamom. Fresh, dark berry fruit on the palate, juicy and with good tension, very easy to drink, fine, elegant tannins." Falstaff

"The Galatrona 2022 with 100% Merlot, is another very attractive wine from Petrolo. It offers a beautiful upfront appeal that matches its uncomplicated personality. Blue and violet fruits, liquorice, lavender, spices and mocha blend together." Vinous

"The Petrolo 2022 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona is a beautiful wine with an elegant, concentrated and lean style. The wine shows a core of dark fruits with wild berries and pressed rose. This medium-bodied Tuscan Merlot finishes with lingering freshness." Wine Advocate

"The promising 2022 shows great freshness on the nose, where wild berries compete with savoury mineral notes and hints of herbs. On the palate, the fruit is intense but perfectly balanced, the tannins are super-fine and the finish is infinitely long and impeccably precise. The current owner Luca Sanjust inherited Petrolo from his mother Lucia, who, under the early guidance of the legendary tasting master Giulio Gambelli, established a production of outstanding quality in the then little-known Colli Aretini area. Merlot has been an integral part of production since the 1980s, and on the clay soils of the Galatrona vineyard on the cooler left bank of the Arno, the variety produces wines with bright, juicy fruit and extreme elegance that are different from the Merlots of the Tuscan coast. Pure class." Decanter

"The floral aromas are captivating, with flavours of violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals and some oranges. It is medium to full-bodied with crisp and open-grained tannins that are creamy and flattering. The finish is endless. Crisp and energetic. A wine that makes you think and gives great pleasure. Of such purity. It's like eating perfectly ripened grape must. In many ways already drinkable now, but it will develop wonderfully. A new reference point for Merlot in Italy." James Suckling