Fattoria Petrolo
Petrolo is a leading wine estate in Tuscany. It is located a mile or so to the east of Chianti Classico, within the Chianti Colli Aretini zone, but classifies its wines as IGT Toscana. It is widely regarded as rivalling many Chianti Classico properties in terms of quality, and is best known for its varietal Merlot wine, Galatrona, and its Sangiovese-based blend Torrione.
The estate has 26 hectares (64 acres) of vineyards with rocky soils typical of the Chianti region. The favourable terroir is aided by the site's altitude of up to 1500ft (450m) above sea level, and the sunny exposure, giving concentrated berries with good acidity. Harvests are carried out manually, and different varieties are fermented separately in glazed cement vats using native yeasts. Most of the wines are aged in French barriques, with some larger barrels and 4000-litre wooden casks.
The Petrolo portfolio consists of six red wines and a Vin Santo called Sanpetrolo. As well as Galatrona and Torrione, it makes a premium Cabernet Sauvignon in tiny amounts called Campo Lusso, and a varietal Sangiovese called Bòggina. A version of this wine is also aged in terracotta amphorae, and is called Bògginanfora. Petrolo's entry-level offering is called Inarno, and is made from grapes sourced from neighbouring growers.