2018 Petrolo Galatrona IGT

Merlot - 3L
Reg: $495.00
$415.00
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REVIEWS

JS 98 DC 97 WA 97 VN 96 WS 93
JS 98

jamessuckling.com, July 2020

Aromas of blackberries, black olives, green olive, and violets. It’s really aromatic. Full-bodied, yet so precise and polished with creamy, layered tannins that caress your palate. It’s extremely persistent and goes on...
DC 97

Decanter, August 2020

A 100% Merlot cuvée that totally delivers. This is seductive with tons of finesse and layers of liquorice and olive paste with grip and smoked swirls of grilled oak. I love the confidence and complexity of this wine. 2018...
WA 97

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2020

Petrolo is a certified organic grower, and this iconic expression of Merlot from Tuscany has now moved on from IGT status to the Val d'Arno di Sopra appellation. This is big news for an appellation trying to carve out its...
VN 96

Vinous, September 2020

The flagship 2018 Galatrona, 100% Merlot, is very beautiful. Silky tannins wrap around a core of Merlot fruit. I am struck by how elegant the 2018 is, as Galatrona is so often a wine of impact. Black cherry, chocolate...
WS 93

Wine Spectator, March 2021

Rich, exuding blackberry and black cherry flavors, with accents of fresh herbs, green olive and smoky oak. Fleshy and firm at once, it resonates on the lingering finish. Charming, classy and confident. Drink now through...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Merlot
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Vintage 2018
Size 3L
Percent alcohol 14.5%
Closure Cork

Petrolo winery is owned by 4 generations by the Bazzocchi-Sanjust family. The estate extends over 109 acres, 825 to 1,500 feet above sea level, in an area known for prestigious wines since the Renaissance.

The vineyards are set in Val d'Arno Superiore, among the hills of the "Chianti Colli Aretini," bordering southeastern Chianti Classico. The somewhat loosely packed soil features layers of claystone, shale and limestone.

Petrolo aims to produce wines with character and terroir from Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, with 5,500 plants per hectare, production has been reduced to less than 8,000 cases in order to maximize quality. Hand-harvested and fermented in individual lots using native yeasts, the bulk of production is aged in French barriques, though they do employ the use of large oak casks.

Petrolo produces six dry wines and a Vin Santo, but is best known for the 100% Merlot, Galatrona, and the Cabernet-based Il Torrione.

Galatrona is Petrolo's flagship and one of the most awarded wines of the estate. It is a wine of great structure on the palate, and wildly aromatic on the nose. First produced in 1994, this 100% Merlot comes from estate vines planted in the early 90’s. The vineyard extends over 3 hectares, and is the first vineyard of Merlot that Petrolo planted. The yield per vine is limited, allowing for the concentration of components fundamental to achieve the structure, elegance, balance and persistence wanted for this wine.

Macerated on the skins for 2 weeks or more, the pump-overs are done often and with considerable care to allow for complete and gentle extraction. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barriques, and the wine is then aged in new French barriques for approximately 18 months. During this period the wine is left for the first 6 months on the fine lees, which allows the finished product to achieve greater complexity.

The 2018 Petrolo Galatrona IGT is a remarkable expression of Merlot from Tuscany, Italy. This wine has gained significant recognition and has recently moved from IGT status to the prestigious Val d'Arno di Sopra appellation, solidifying its position as one of the finest wines from the region. As a certified organic grower, Petrolo has crafted a wine that captures the essence of the terroir and showcases the potential of Tuscan Merlot.

In the glass, the Petrolo Galatrona displays a deep red color, hinting at the intensity and richness that awaits. On the nose, the wine exhibits a beautiful array of aromas, including dark fruit, cherry, blackberry, tobacco, spice, and smoked cedar wood. These complex scents intertwine harmoniously, creating an alluring bouquet that captivates the senses.

On the palate, the Galatrona is exceptionally soft and supple, with a velvety texture that glides effortlessly across the tongue. The flavors mirror the aromas, with luscious notes of ripe dark fruit, accompanied by hints of cherry and blackberry. The wine also reveals a touch of tobacco and spice, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. The judicious use of oak aging imparts a subtle smokiness, enhancing the overall character of the wine.

One of the most impressive aspects of the 2018 Petrolo Galatrona is its balance and elegance. Despite its intensity and depth, the wine manages to maintain a sense of lightness and finesse, defying expectations. The tannins are well-integrated and silky, providing structure without overpowering the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression.

The wine has received high praise from esteemed critics, further validating its exceptional quality. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an outstanding score of 97 points, noting its careful precision and wholeness. Decanter also bestowed a score of 97 points, praising its seductive nature, complexity, and sense of place. James Suckling was equally impressed, awarding it 98 points for its aromatic profile, precision, and balance.

With its impeccable craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality, the 2018 Petrolo Galatrona IGT is a true gem in the world of Tuscan wines. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will undoubtedly benefit from further cellaring. It is a must-try for any wine enthusiast seeking a remarkable expression of Merlot from Tuscany.