Petrolo Torrione Val D'Arno Di Sopra DOC, Tuscany, Italy, 2015

Overview of the Wine
Petrolo is the definition of a cult winery, with an owner and a story that have helped create its legendary status. Though virtually unknown even in the wine world, the Valdarno di Sopra denomination dates back to the days of the Medici family during the Renaissance, and the area has always been renowned for the

winemaking potential of the tiny area of Tuscany near Chianti in which it is located. In the last fifteen years, Petrolo has established itself as one of Tuscany’s, and Italy’s, great wineries and is renowned above all for producing wines with a distinct regional identity.

Torrione marks the beginning of the Petrolo’s quality revolution. It is considered to be 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 is also in keeping with Tuscan tradition of adding Bordeaux varities to Sangiovese and instilling a sense of place in the French varieties, lending them a distinctly
Tuscan character.

Fermentation: Natural vinification with native yeasts in concrete vats. Soft and frequent manual pumping over. Skin maceration for 18 days.

Aging: Spontaneous malolactic fermation in oak barrels. Maturation for 15 months, partly in 40hl French barriques and partly in concrete vats.

Grape / Blend
80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin
Val D'Arno Di Sopra DOC, Tuscany, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Petrolo's "chateau", wine made from the different grapes varietals on the estate. The grapes proportion is the same as the one in the vineyards. A perfect example of a balanced, sharp and deep red – a wine that expresses the real identity of the area.

Torrione is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, both those that come from historic vines of the 70s and ones more recently planted with high density. The yield per plant is notably restricted, allowing a concentration of all the noble components of the grape, fundamental for the full-bodied character of this wine.

94 Points - James Suckling
“Lovely aromas of sweet fruit, flowers such as violets and black olives. Sandalwood undertones. Full
body and extremely fine tannins. Persistent and sexy. Shows such intensity and finesse."

Ian Blackburn's Review: 
This wine is a fighter, it is Sangiovese grown in unique rocky soils, unlike Chianti, unlike Brunello, and is 100% natural and sustainably farmed, using native yeasts, and aged 15 months in French Barriques. I really enjoy this release every year, and 2015 is a GREAT Tuscan vintage. This rendition is raw, rich, and relaxed, and I enjoy the ridged rocky minerality that layers with the riper fruits...a wine made by the farmer, and rewarded with great scores from all the greats: Parker, Vinous, Wine Spectator with 90-92 points, but I agree with James Suckling - 94 points! A better wine for todays world, and a terrific value. 

Product size: 750ml