“Palafreno” Rosso Toscana IGT 2021 (BIO)

Agricola Querciabella | Tuscany
Soc. Agr. Querciabella S.p.A. | Via di Barbiano 17 | IT 50022 Greve

09442221 · 0,75 l · 158,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The Palafreno was not a warhorse. In the parades and processions of the Middle Ages, it carried the knight before the public – nobly and with dignity. Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni chose this name for his Merlot because it perfectly describes what he hoped to achieve with this grape variety: not power for power's sake, but character with poise. Querciabella was founded in 1974 by Sebastiano's father, Giuseppe, in Greve in Chianti. Organically farmed since 1988, long since biodynamic, and vinified using vegan methods – the estate articulated its commitment to integrity earlier than most others. The Palafreno is Sebastiano's personal project: pure Merlot, from the finest vines in Ruffoli, the Cipresso and Marrone plots, on galestro-rich soil amidst olive groves and oak forests. Produced not to cater to the market, but to demonstrate what Merlot is capable of in the heart of Chianti Classico when taken seriously.

Since the first vintage in 2000, only nine vintages have been released in more than two decades. A standard that admits of no compromise. The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed after careful selection, and left to macerate for around 18 days in oak vats. Malolactic fermentation is completed in the wood. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French barriques, 30% of which are new. This is followed by a further six months' bottle ageing.

2021 was a classic, well-balanced vintage in Chianti Classico – fresh acidity, precise aromas, and good ageing potential. Intense ruby-garnet colour. On the nose, raspberry, blackcurrant, jam, vanilla, balsam and undergrowth – complex and with seductive depth. On the palate, it is full-bodied and characterised by silky tannins, with a long, fruity, mineral-driven and warm final. Merlot takes centre stage – and it certainly deserves the limelight. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, deep ruby colour with violet highlights. An appealing nose, opening with rich notes of blackberries and wild blueberries, accompanied by a hint of beeswax, with subtle spice in the background. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, displaying plenty of dark berry fruit, then opening up with prominent, tightly woven tannins; a very long, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This red wine has reached exactly the right level of maturity and captivates with aromas of macerated plums, blackberries, cherries, cedar wood, iron, leather and tobacco – it is expressive and charming. It still has robust tannins, paired with lively acidity and a long, complex finish. It can be enjoyed now, but will continue to mature for about another decade." Wine Spectator

"A lush and toasty wine with ripe dark fruit, plums, blueberries and cassis on the nose. Full-bodied with fruit flavors, supple tannins, a firm, velvety texture, refreshing acidity and a tight-knit finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Palafreno, 100% Merlot, is a magnificent, exotic beauty. Dark and complex in the glass, with a captivating bouquet, the 2021 is a very sexy wine that simply needs time in the bottle. Blueberry, spices, liquorice and black pepper are the first flavours to emerge, with a strong, sweet, floral undertone that gives it remarkable lift. I can't wait to taste this wine once it has had more time in the bottle." Vinous