| Producer | Querciabella |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Sku | 16927 |
| Size | 750ml |
In certain years the elements necessary for winemaking – sunlight, rainfall, temperature ranges – all come into perfect alignment. In those years, we make Palafreno.
Silky texture, beguiling aromas and a savoury, sustained finish that develops in pure pleasure make it a true connoisseur’s wine that lives up to its namesake: Palafreno refers to a medieval parade horse and, in our intention, showcases the world-class value of our vineyards in Ruffoli.
So exceptional that it has been released only a dozen times since it first made headlines. The sensational vintages of 2000 and 2001 included Sangiovese in the blend. However, it was in 2004 that Palafreno really found its stride as a small batch, 100% Merlot aged in fine-grained barrique. Our latest release, the exceptional 2020, is the perfect wine to pull out when you want to experience the height of what this grape can achieve.
Although it takes efforts to grow Merlot to perfection, by balancing the richness of the varietal with the terroir-borne acidity, we craft a sublime wine fitting for the finest collections. In the glass, Palafreno offers plenty of hedonistic delight and, on the table, is a phenomenal companion to dishes of rare complexity and unusual combinations of flavours.
Appellation: Toscana IGT
First vintage: 2000
Grape: Merlot
Vineyards: Ruffoli, Greve in Chianti
Viticulture: Plant-based biodynamics
Certifications: Vegan; Organic
Maturation: 18 months
French oak barriques
Annual production: 6,000 bottles
Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.
The 2019 Palafreno, 100% Merlot from Greve’s Ruffoli district, is stunning, not to mention one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted here. Silky, plush and exceptionally vivid in the glass, the Palafreno possesses breathtaking beauty that captivates all the senses. At this early stage, the 2019 is all primary dark fruit, but the layers will start to open with cellaring. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. It’s a real head turner.
This is very polished and structured with a finesse to the tannins which spread across the palate. It’s full-bodied with fine fruit and a driven finish. It needs three or four years to soften and open. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Try after 2025.
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