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 2020 Petrolo Galatrona IGT is a stunning red wine hailing from the illustrious region of Tuscany, Italy. This wine is crafted from the finest Merlot grapes, showcasing the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the esteemed Petrolo winery.

In the glass, this wine exudes a deep, alluring red color, hinting at the richness and complexity that awaits. The aromas are a symphony of dark fruits, with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry intertwining with subtle hints of fresh herbs and forest floor. There is also a touch of spiced wood elements that add a layer of sophistication.

On the palate, the Galatrona reveals its true character. It is supple and mouthfilling, immediately enveloping the senses with its weight and presence. The tannins are robust and plush, providing a luscious and velvety texture that caresses the palate. Concentrated flavors of black fruits dominate, accompanied by nuances of liquorice, dark chocolate, and thyme. This wine is detailed and precise, showcasing both power and finesse.

The high acidity of the Galatrona beautifully balances the concentrated fruit flavors, lending a refreshing lifeforce to the wine. Despite its hefty nature, there is still an underlying sense of elegance and finesse. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of rich fruit flavors and a touch of high alcohol warmth.

Renowned wine publications have showered this wine with praise. Decanter awarded it an impressive score of 93, describing its weight and concentration, while James Suckling gave it a stellar 97, highlighting its refined character and freshness. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also lauded the Galatrona, applauding its classic quality, subtle bouquet, and elegant finish, earning it a score of 96. Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both awarded it scores of 93 and 95, respectively, praising its balance, ripe fruit flavors, and indulgent nature.

The 2020 Petrolo Galatrona IGT is a wine that embodies the essence of Tuscan winemaking. It is a masterpiece that showcases the beauty and complexity of Merlot, and it is destined to captivate the palates of wine enthusiasts for years to come.