2018 Petrolo Val D'Arno di Sopra Torrione DOC BIO

Petrolo is the definition of a cult winery, with an owner and a story that helped create its legendary status. Although virtually unknown even in the world of wine, the Valdarno di Sopra appellation dates back to the days of the Medici family during the Renaissance, and the area has always been known for the viticultural potential of the small area of Tuscany near Chianti, where it is located. Over the last fifteen years, Petrolo has established itself as one of the great wineries of Tuscany and Italy and is particularly known for producing wines with a distinct regional identity.

The Torrione marks the beginning of the Petrolo's quality revolution. It is considered the true identity of Petrolo, made with a blend of grapes from all of the estate's vineyards. With a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrione also fits into the Tuscan tradition of adding Bordeaux varieties to Sangiovese. French varieties but with a clear Tuscan character.

The vineyard is located around 500 meters on a terrain with mainly loamy soil with a mix of slate, marl and sandstone. The wine is EU organic certified since 2016. and natural / sustainable farming since 2004 so no use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The Torrione is a blend of 75% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

After the manual picking with a first selection in the vineyard, the natural vinification takes place with native yeasts in concrete barrels. Skin maceration for 18 days with spontaneous malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. The aging takes place for 15 months, partly in French barriers of 40hl and partly in concrete barrels.

The 2018 can be compared to the great 2016 vintage with a very favorable year for viticulture. In keeping with typical Tuscan weather, the winter was cold enough with abundant rainfall followed by a normal spring, while the summer was warmer than normal on average, but not extremely, allowing the soil to retain its moisture content. These conditions maintained healthy and balanced growth and extremely good ripening of grapes. The harvest started with Merlot in the first week of September, followed by Sangiovese in the second week of September over a period of about 14 days. The harvest ended in early October with Cabernet Sauvignon from Petrolo's highest altitude vineyard, Campo Lusso.

This elegant powerhouse is full of aromas of dried flowers, dried berries, cherries and hints of minerals. Full, very firm and silky with an intense underlying beautiful acidity and a nice aftertaste. Only open a first bottle in 2021 and let it breathe nicely and then it will be fun.

The 2018 vintage has received 94/100 Parker and 95/100 Suckling. The highest scores ever for this wine.

FACT: In the Tab: Bijlge you will find the factsheet of this wine

"Petrolo's Torrione is quite pretty and gracious in 2016. Aromatically expressive and pliant, this Sangiovese-based entry-level offering has a lot to offer. Dollops of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon round out this juicy Sangiovese-based blend." VINOUS 91/100

"Fresh earth and graphite aromas lead off in this version, finding its feet with cherry, raspberry, currant and floral notes midpalate. Hints of earth, mineral and tobacco add depth as this plays out on the finish. Shows fine elegance and harmony." WINE SPECTATOR 92/100

"Dried herbs on the nose, together with blackberry and cherry. Bright and complex in the mouth with flavors of dark chocolate, dark fruits and some dried herbs." DECANTER 92/100

"The bouquet opens to ripe cherry and dried raspberry with moist earth, exotic spice and chewing tobacco. The wine is plush and rich with a hint of that tangy Sangiovese acidity on the close." ROBERT PARKER 93/100

romas of dried flowers, dried berries, cherries and hints of stones. Full bodied, very firm and silky. An intense underlying energy of acidity and a lovely finish. 75% sangiovese, 20% merlot and 5% cabernet sauvignon. One of the best ever? Drink in 2020. 95/100 Suckling