2020 Galatrona

Savoury and mouthwatering, benefitting from its 300m of altitude in the southern part of Tuscany by the Chianti hills. Precise and finely boned tannins, emphasis on dried herbs on the nose, this is an enticing mix of savoury raspberry leaf and riper red cherry fruits, keeps things walking the line of grip and generosity. Luca Sanjust winemaker and owner, along with team including Carlo Ferrini. One of the first big 100% Italian Merlot wines after Masseto to be sold through the Bordeaux system, now its fifth vintage with négociants, and a wine that gives hope to those who worry that Merlot is becoming unviable in the heat of Italian summers.

Subtle yet intense aromas of black fruit and violets. Extremely perfumed. Crushed stones. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a mouth-feel of velvet that goes on for minutes. Refined and fresh. Al-dente fruit. From organically grown grapes. Better in three to four years.

The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of organic Merlot and the estate's headline wine. It was first created in 1994 when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer heat that became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona shows terrific results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and thickly forested position almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that grows in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherry, toasted almond and dried mint fuel a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine boasts long-lasting flavors.