This is a Super Tuscan that really delivers the promise of its appellation. It is the perfect hybrid of Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux with Tuscan charm and verve.
A rich and ripe red, the nose shows layers of black fruit, spices and notes of eucalyptus, cigar and balsamic. The palate is rich and full, with breadth, complexity and supple roundness that it receives from lengthy ageing in barriques. With a silky texture and fine-grained tannins, it is easy to see how and why this wine has received such a high place in the market.
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Petra is almost a direct copy of the vineyard plantings from a Bordeaux commune like Pauillac of Margaux. The difference here being that the Tuscan sunshine and overall climatic generosity yields wines that are far richer and fuller that those in Bordeaux. The balancing factor is of course the Maremma region, it's Bordeuax-like soils providing excellent vineyard drainage and the Tyrrhenian sea that cools the vines at night.
Created by the Moretti family (who make and own the incredible Bellavista sparkling wines in Franciacorta), Petra is a 300-hectare estate (94 of which are vines, in three separate plots) in Suvereto, south-east of the subzone of Bolgheri and just inland from the sea. The winery is gravity-fed, ensuring the gentle treatment of the grapes, juice and wine. In the vineyard, Petra are undergoing organic conversion.
The winemaking is gentle - as mentioned - which allows for the intense ripeness to be supported by the retained fresh acidity. Aged for 18 months in barriques and the same again in bottles before it is released, there is a clear intention to create a long-living wine that shows this slightly cooler Maremma zone as a serious alternative to Bolgheri.
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Grape(s): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Style: Svelte, Structured, Smooth, Silky, Rich, Profound, Powerful, Meditation, Intense, Iconic, Full, Engaging, Elegant, Dark, Complex, Broad, Balanced
Best food matches: Wild Boar, Venison, Steak, Roasts, Red Meats, Poultry, Pasta, Mature Cheeses, Lamb, Hard Cheeses, Grills, Game, Fine Dining, Duck, Christmas Dinner, Cheeses, Charcuterie, Beef, Barbecue
Alcohol: 14.5%
