“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/purplish fruit, cloves, new leather, menthol and licorice all meld together in the glass. Soft, caressing contours shape this mid-weight, understated vintage of the estate's flagship wine. The 2023 is not a huge Galatrona but is instead a wine that impresses with its finesse." Vinous

"Petrolo's 100% Merlot is one of Tuscany's flagship reds. Dark and plummy aromas are lifted by some invigorating blueberry notes, while in the mouth it showcases an intense, structural palate of sapid dark fruits and balsamic herbs. The oak influence peeks through as a layer of liquorice, then floral overtones segue into a zesty finish of orange peel and flecks of wood." Decanter

"The aromas of black currants, graphite, lavender and violets are gorgeous. Black olives and walnuts, too. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, a racy texture and small black berry-like flavors. Iron undertones as well as dark chocolate, dried sage and rosemary. Vertical nature to this. One for the cellar." James Suckling