Petrolo, Galatrona, IGT 2023

The Petrolo 2023 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona stands among Italy’s benchmark expressions of Merlot. This organic wine comes from nine hectares of gently sloping vineyards with medium-rich soils marked by rocks and clay, lending both depth and natural balance. Gorgeously rich, velvety and intense, Galatrona delivers compelling concentration without ever sacrificing elegance or freshness. The underdog 2023 vintage presented notable challenges due to humidity and heat, but meticulous work in the vineyard and at the sorting table proved decisive, especially for an early-ripening variety like Merlot. Fermented in cement and aged in barrique and tonneaux for 18 months, the wine shows harmony between power and finesse. Production is 25,000 bottles.

The 2023 Galatrona,100% Merlot, is soft, plush and sensual. Dark blue/purplish fruit, cloves, new leather, menthol and licorice all meld together in the glass. Soft, caressing contours shape this mid-weight, understated vintage of the estate's flagship wine. The 2023 is not a huge Galatrona but is instead a wine that impresses with its finesse. This is a step up from the 2022.

The 2023 Galatrona, made from 100% Merlot grown on clay-rich soils, pours a youthful purple/red hue and emphasizes finesse over power. Aromas of plum, lavender, wild herbs, sweet tobacco, and wet stone unfold with precision. Full-bodied yet weightless, it shows bright acidity, refined tannins, and a long, mineral-driven finish, with hints of amaro herbs and dark earth. A beautifully balanced and savory expression of Merlot, it promises excellent aging potential over the next 15-20 years. Drink 2026-2045.

etrolo's 100% Merlot is one of Tuscany's flagship reds. Dark and plummy aromas are lifted by some invigorating blueberry notes, while in the mouth it showcases an intense, structural palate of sapid dark fruits and balsamic herbs. The oak influence peeks through as a layer of liquorice, then floral overtones segue into a zesty finish of orange peel and flecks of wood. While absolutely delicious, it doesn't quite have the same amplitude as the 2022.

Deep ruby red, medium concentration, enjoyably savoury and muscular Merlot, with plenty of Tuscan underbrush and blood orange edging. Organic certified.