Valdarno di Sopra Galatrona Petrolo 2017

Domaine History

Petrolo is a historic estate located in Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany, renowned for its focus on single-vineyard expressions and exceptional quality. Galatrona, the estate’s iconic Merlot, has earned a reputation as one of Italy’s greatest varietal Merlots, combining power, elegance, and finesse vintage after vintage.

Terroir

The vines grow on clay-rich soils with schist and marl subsoils at altitudes between 250 and 300 meters. This terroir, along with excellent sun exposure and cool nighttime temperatures, allows the Merlot to achieve full ripeness while maintaining balance and aromatic freshness.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested grapes are carefully selected and fermented in small concrete vats with manual punch-downs. The wine is aged for about 18 months in French oak barrels, partially new, followed by extended bottle aging to enhance complexity and structure.

Tasting Notes

Rich, deep dark ruby with a violet core. The nose is very intense and appealing, showcasing ripe blackberry, blueberry, and fine spicy notes layered with tobacco aromas. On the palate, the wine displays abundant fine-grained tannins, good structure, and rich dark berry fruit. While powerful and aromatic, this vintage shows slightly less of the characteristic velvety texture found in other years, focusing instead on purity and fruit expression.

A structured and aromatic Merlot, offering intensity, ripe dark fruits, and balanced tannins with excellent aging potential.

Pairing

Excellent with roasted lamb, grilled beef, duck breast, game dishes, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano.