Galatrona 2020 Petrolo

Tasting Notes

Aromas of black plum and crushed blueberries unfold first, followed by notes of graphite, sweet tobacco, and a light hint of bay leaf. The palate is rich yet light, a result of the cool nights in the hilly Valdarno region. The tannins are smooth and fine-grained, revealing a well-defined structure. The finish leans slightly to some sweetness, with lingering notes of iron and dark cocoa. The wine can be enjoyed now after letting it breathe for at least 30 minutes, though “Galatrona 2020” is designed for long-term aging.

Grape Varieties

“Galatrona” is made from 100% Merlot. Regardless of whether it can be called a blend, its composition is as follows:

Merlot: 100%, from vineyards first planted by Luca Sanjust in 1990

Merlot from this region exhibits different characteristics than its Bordeaux counterpart. Soils composed of marl, sandstone and shale give the wine a robust structure and minerality, while the high-altitude location allows it to retain pronounced acidity. This is precisely why Galatrona is perceived as a “Tuscan wine in a Bordeaux guise,” rather than the other way around.

Cellaring Potential

The wine is best enjoyed till 2045. The 2020 vintage possesses a tannic structure and acidic backbone that allow for extended aging, as well as a concentration of fruit notes that maintain an interesting flavor profile throughout this process. Store at a temperature of 12–14 °C. When young, the wine is fruity, with pronounced primary aromas. Starting at around 2030, notes of tobacco, leather, and truffle will come to the fore.

The Producer

Petrolo is located in a quiet corner of Tuscany, Valdarno di Sopra, between Florence, Arezzo, and Siena. This region is little known to most wine lovers. The winery has been owned by the Bazzocchi family since the 1940s, but the modern “Petrolo” came into being when management was taken over by former artist Luca Sanjust, who replanted the vineyards. In 1990, he planted the first Merlot vineyard, and in the second half of 1994, almost by accident, the first “Galatrona” wine was produced. Our website continues to feature this winery because there is no other producer in Tuscany that creates such a unique Merlot.

Terroir & Climate

The vineyards are located at an elevation of 250 to 500 meters above sea level, which is a significant altitude for Tuscan Merlot. And it is precisely this elevation that is a key factor for “Galatrona.” Cool nights slow ripening, preserve acidity, and retain aromatic compounds that are lost at lower altitudes. The soil consists of marl, sandstone, and shale; it is well-drained and rich in minerals. The dense forest surrounding the vineyard further lowers the air temperature. As a result, even under conditions where heat and heaviness are typically expected, the wine acquires freshness and structure.

Winemaking

Organic farming methods are used: there is no irrigation or plowing, and the natural grass cover is preserved throughout the entire area. Yields are intentionally kept low, around 20–25 hectoliters per hectare, which allows for a higher concentration of fruit notes without excessive extraction. “Galatrona” is aged in French oak barriques (small 225-liter barrels), but the proportion of new barrels is kept to a minimum, so the oak aroma does not dominate the wine. On the palate, you can taste the fruit, the characteristics of the soil, and the elevation above sea level. The work in the cellar is focused on highlighting the vineyard’s individuality, not altering it.

Food Pairing

“Galatrona” has delicate tannins and a deep flavor that complements the taste of red meat without overpowering it. Here are a few recommended pairings:

• “Bistecca alla Fiorentina,” cooked “rare,” with rosemary and olive oil
• “Pappardelle” with wild boar ragù
• Roasted duck with cherry sauce. Fruity notes pair harmoniously with the wine
• Aged “Pecorino Toscano.” The saltiness softens the tannins

Serve at 18–20 °C. Young wine should be decanted at least one hour before serving.