“Galatrona” Merlot Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC 2023 (BIO)

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

09822223 · 0,75 l · 126,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

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

"Rich, impenetrable ruby violet colour with a black core. Opens with delicate smoky notes, some cardamom and bay leaf. Lots of dark berry fruit, blueberry and mulberry, exciting. Juicy, present fruit, stretches powerfully over the tongue, juicy and at the same time very substantial tannins, full-bodied pressure in the final." Falstaff

"The 2023 Galatrona is soft, plush and sensual. Dark blue/purple fruits, cloves, new leather, menthol and liquorice meld together in the glass. Soft, flattering contours characterise this medium-bodied, understated vintage of the winery's flagship. The 2023 is not a huge Galatrona, but a wine that impresses with its finesse." Vinous

"This organic wine comes from nine hectares of gently sloping vineyards with medium-heavy soils characterised by stones and clay, which give the wine depth and natural balance. The Galatrona is wonderfully rich, velvety and intense and offers convincing concentration without ever sacrificing elegance or freshness." Wine Advocate

"Petrolo's 100% Merlot is one of the flagship red wines of Tuscany. The dark and plummy aromas are livened up by invigorating blueberry notes, while on the palate it shows an intense, structured flavour of tart dark fruits and balsamic herbs. The influence of oak is evident in the form of liquorice and floral nuances, which fade into a zesty finish with orange peel and hints of wood." Decanter

"The aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, lavender and violet are beautiful. Also black olives and walnuts. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, a racy texture and small flavours reminiscent of black berries. Undertones of iron as well as dark chocolate, dried sage and rosemary. Vertical character. A wine for the cellar." James Suckling