“Torrione” Rosso Toscana IGT 2023

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

09822123 · 0,75 l · 30,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Bucine, Valdarno di Sopra – where the Arno meanders through rolling hills between Arezzo and Florence, Fattoria Petrolo lies at an altitude of between 250 and 500 metres. In 1988, Lucia Bazzocchi Sanjust wanted a wine that would convey the true identity of this terroir: Petrolo's "Château", a tribute to the centuries-old Tuscan tradition of blending French grape varieties with Sangiovese. As early as 1834, Giorgio Perrin, an agronomist of Swiss origin and owner of Petrolo, reported in the *Giornale Agrario Toscano* as early as 1834 that it was common practice in Chianti to blend "uve francesi" with Sangiovese, not to alter the quality, but because the terroir takes precedence over the grape varieties.

Torrione blends Sangiovese from historic vineyards such as Bòggina (planted in 1947), Merlot from Galatrona and Cabernet Sauvignon from Campo Lusso. Approximately 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet – a blend from all the estate's vineyards. The soils vary: clay with alternating layers of slate, marl and sandstone. Organically farmed since 2004, hand-harvested into crates, selected on the sorting table. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats, gentle manual pumping over, 18 days' maceration. Aged for 15 months partly in French barriques, partly in 40-hectolitre barrels, and partly in concrete.

A bright, deep ruby red. The nose entices with dark berries, cherry and raspberry, alongside floral notes, graphite and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, medium-bodied to full-bodied, complex and structured, yet ethereal and weightless – where generosity meets delicacy. Fluid, dynamic and already approachable. Fine tannins, well-integrated acidity; the fruit remains clear and precise. The finish is long, with a delicate persistence and chalky tannins. A red wine of remarkable balance and depth that perfectly captures the identity of the Valdarno di Sopra. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry, blackberry, plum, earth and iron flavors mark this essentially fruity red. Its supple texture is offset by a line of dusty tannins as this winds down on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"A deep ruby red with violet highlights. An elegant nose, with ripe cherry and blackcurrant, a hint of coffee beans and dried herbs, reminiscent of rosemary. Opens on the palate with lovely juiciness, a framework of ripe tannins, a lively acidity, and a lingering, spicy finish." Falstaff

"Given its pedigree, this wine is very good value for money, and it makes sense to keep a few bottles to hand for guests or a cosy evening in front of the telly. The combination of a large proportion of Sangiovese from the Bòggina vineyard with Merlot from the iconic Galatrona site and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon from Campo Lusso results in an intense, yet not overly concentrated (read: perfectly balanced) palate full of generous, fleshy red and dark berries, supported by subtle, firm tannins." Decanter

"The 2023 Torrione is magnificent. An explosion of plums, blackberries, rose petals, cloves and blood oranges opens the wine with a powerful statement. This full-bodied, juicy Sangiovese red hits all the right notes." Vinous

"A creamy and crisp red wine which, despite its richness, reveals notes of cherries, berries and bark on the nose, along with hints of milk chocolate and hazelnuts. A long, refreshing and silky finish." James Suckling

"This dark and very concentrated wine displays aromas of plum, black cherry and sweet earth, followed by notes of nutmeg and cedar. Phenomenally well-balanced, it offers sufficient richness and texture to create a smooth, elegant mouthfeel." Wine Advocate