2023 Petrolo "Galatrona"

Petrolo is a historic estate in Tuscany’s Val d’Arno di Sopra, where the focus is on producing wines that express the character of their vineyards. Since 2004, the estate has moved toward natural and sustainable farming practices, including dry farming, no tillage, cover crops, and no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Petrolo received organic certification in 2016, and vineyard work is carried out largely by hand to maintain a natural balance in the vines. This philosophy extends into the cellar, where the wines are naturally fermented with native yeasts and handled with minimal intervention.

Galatrona is Petrolo’s flagship wine and its “Grand-Cru” expression of Merlot, produced exclusively from the 10-hectare vineyard of the same name. First produced in 1994, it is made from 100% Merlot planted with low-vigor Bordeaux clones on the southeastern edge of the Chianti Hills at about 300 meters elevation. The vineyard’s clay-rich soils, mixed with schist, marl, and sandstone, help retain moisture during Tuscany’s hot, dry summers while contributing to the wine’s structure and elegance. The grapes are harvested by hand, fermented with native yeasts in cement vats, and aged for approximately 18–20 months in French oak barriques, one-third of which are new. The finished wine is intense and complex, balancing ripe fruit, acidity, and tannins with a persistent, polished character that reflects its distinctive site.

"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. Pure merlot. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2030."
-James Suckling, 98 Points

"The Petrolo 2023 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona stands among Italy’s benchmark expressions of Merlot. This organic wine comes from nine hectares of gently sloping vineyards with medium-rich soils marked by rocks and clay, lending both depth and natural balance. Gorgeously rich, velvety and intense, Galatrona delivers compelling concentration without ever sacrificing elegance or freshness. The underdog 2023 vintage presented notable challenges due to humidity and heat, but meticulous work in the vineyard and at the sorting table proved decisive, especially for an early-ripening variety like Merlot. Fermented in cement and aged in barrique and tonneaux for 18 months, the wine shows harmony between power and finesse."
-Wine Advocate, 96 Points

Blend: 100% Merlot

Foxcroft Online Price: $119 per bottle OR $198 per 2-pack*
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