2022 Petrolo Galatrona Valdarno di Sopra Tuscany

Some wines aim for greatness; this one delivers it.The 2022 Petrolo Galatrona is not just another Merlot; it's a true Italian masterpiece. Crafted with passion in Tuscany's enchanting Val d'Arno di Sopra, this wine is as much a tribute to the land as it is a triumph of winemaking. Think of it as Italy’s answer to Pétrus – yes, we said it.

Here’s the story: The vineyard, named after a medieval tower that still watches over it, is a dreamy 10 hectares of clay, shale, marl, and sandstone. These soils aren’t just for show; they’re the secret to Galatrona’s incredible elegance and structure. Add to that a south-eastern exposure at 300 meters above sea level, and you’ve got a microclimate that Merlot vines adore.

But it doesn’t stop at dirt and sunshine. The Bazzocchi family, who have owned Petrolo since the 1940s, and Luca Sanjust, a painter-turned-winemaker have poured decades of heart and soul into creating a wine that doesn’t just impress—it enchants. Organic-certified since 2016, the estate has embraced sustainable practices that bring out the best in every grape, with no synthetic shortcuts. It’s winemaking at its finest.

The 2022 Galatrona takes Merlot to new heights. Think lush dark fruits, velvety tannins, and an elegance that could rival a Tuscan sunset. The wine undergoes natural fermentation in cement vats—because when your terroir is this perfect, why interfere? Then, it’s aged for 18–20 months in French oak barriques (one-third new), with batonnage to bring out even more complexity and depth. The result? A wine that doesn’t just stand out; it shines.

Pair it with grilled lamb, wild boar, or that perfectly seared steak you’ve been craving. Feeling veggie? Earthy mushroom risotto or a plate of aged pecorino will do just fine. This wine is versatile, and no pairing is too bold—it thrives on rich flavors and textures.

But let’s get real for a moment. Galatrona isn’t just a bottle of wine; it’s a conversation starter, the highlight of any dinner, and the kind of bottle your friends will talk about long after the last sip. It’s the wine you open when you want people to sit up, wide-eyed, and ask, "What is this, and where can I get it?"

Luca Sanjust sums it up best: “A great wine, beyond the grape varietal it’s made from, must talk the language of the piece of land it came from. Beyond being mainly good, it has to be a classic in its own way, it must hold the stories of the people who made it, thought it and who have lived and worked for generations over that parcel of land“.

Aging: Manual harvest in crates and further grape selection with sorting table. Natural vinification with native yeasts in cement vats. Manual soft and frequent pumping over. Long skin maceration. As for aging it is a Spontaneous malo-lactic fermentation in wood. Maturation in Frech oak barrique, a third new, for about 18 – 20 months. Constant batonnage of the fine lees for the first 6 months.

100% Merlot. Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, woven with hints of violets, cedar, and crushed herbs. On the palate, it’s rich and velvety, showcasing layers of luscious dark fruit, chocolate, and subtle spice, balanced by silky tannins and a refreshing lift of acidity that lingers through the elegant, long finish.

The floral aromas are spellbinding, with aromas of violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals, and some oranges. It’s medium- to full-bodied with crunchy and open-grain tannins that are creamy and caressing. It’s endless in the finish. Crunchy and energetic. A wine that is thoughtful and gives you such great pleasure. Such purity. It’s like eating perfectly ripened grape must. Pure merlot. Drinkable in many ways, but will come together beautifully. A new reference point for merlot in Italy. Drink after 2028. ~100 James Suckling

Soul and character, spices of wild nature but decidedly controlled and untangled in the matrix. Notes of black plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, burnt sage, bay leaves, wet earth, sandalwood, incense, mandarin peel and vetiver. Full body, perfectly ripe tannins and a noble, serious and at the same time popular finish that is decidedly enjoyable for everyone right from the start.Better from 2027. ~97 WinesCritic.com

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