Palafreno 2013 Toscana IGT - Querciabella

Palafreno 2013 – Querciabella

Palafreno is the Merlot of Querciabella, the Greve in Chianti estate that farms biodynamically without any animal-derived inputs and is certified organic and vegan. The name comes from the noble riding horse of medieval knights, mentioned in Orlando Furioso. Since its debut in 2000 it has been made only about a dozen times, in years when Merlot truly ripens well.

The grapes come from the Cipresso and Marrone vineyards at Ruffoli, at 350-400 metres, on galestro and clay facing south-southwest. The wine ages for about 18 months in French oak barriques, and only a few thousand bottles are made.

2013 was a cool, late vintage in Tuscany that gave wines of energy rather than power. Here hillside Merlot shows plum and blackberry, violet, cocoa and a hint of graphite, with fine tannins and lovely freshness. With about a decade in bottle, it is starting to gain complexity. With fillet steak, duck or aged cheeses.

At a glance: Merlot 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Querciabella, Greve in Chianti