Petrolo is a Tuscan wine producer based in the hills of the Chianti Collo Aretini region.

The family owned and operated estate produce top notch wines made from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all labelled under the IGT wine designation. The estate was purchased by the Bazzocchi family in the 1940s and is now run by Lucia Bazzocchi, and her son Luca. Together, they produce their range of critically acclaimed wines including Torrione, a Sangiovese often included in Wine Spectators top 100 wines of the year.

Their Merlot, Galatrona, has been compared to the top names in Bordeaux, notably Petrus.

Petrolos vineyards extend across 31 hectares bordering the south eastern area of Chianti Classico; however, only 26 hectares are included in their current production. The main objective of the winery is to grow the best possible grapes and use little intervention in their winemaking to create outstanding wines. Though they are not certified organic, they have not been using any inorganic fertilizers, pesticides or chemicals for almost 10 years.

At harvest, the grapes are all hand-picked before being vinified in glazed cement vats. Each vineyard batch is fermented separately, using only native yeast.

Gentle winemaking techniques are used for all grape varieties before ageing takes places in a combination of French oak barriques, tonneaux and 40 hl barrels. Deservingly, the wines of Petrolo have a loyal following and continue to amass impressive accolades from Wine Spectator, James Suckling and others.

The Galatrona is an immense and profound wine with great fruit intensity and lovely layers of richness and opulence. Galatrona is a pure expression of Merlot and is one of the best interpretations of the wine made anywhere on earth. In addition to soft cherry and blackberry, you get Mediterranean herb, tobacco and polished leather.

99/100 James Suckling

93-95/100 Vinous/ Galloni

94/100 Wine Advocate