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Palafreno 2008 75cl

IGT | Tuscany | Italy
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2008
Critics scores
92 Robert Parker
The 2008 Palafreno (Merlot) is another delicate red. It is an attractive, mid-weight wine layered with sweet dark cherries, flowers, mint and minerals. There is plenty of freshness in the glass, but not quite the richness of the finest years. The French oak needs time to integrate, but may never fully disappear given the wine’s modest depth. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. <br/><br/>It’s not exactly as though Querciabella needed to re-invent itself, the wines had been outstanding for years, but that is exactly what is happening at this historic estate in Greve. Full credit must go to proprietor Sebastiano Castiglioni for his vision, unwavering commitment to quality and hiring of Luca Currado of Vietti to oversee the project. Querciabella recently completed the acquisition of additional vineyards in Castellina, which now gives the estate land in three different villages within Chianti Classico. The new vines are part of a project underway to make a series of single-vineyard Sangioveses from the estate’s top vineyards. Within Querciabella itself, the flagship Camartina is increasingly a vehicle for Sangiovese, which frees up the Merlot for the Palafreno. It is truly impressive to see what Castiglione and Currado have managed to achieve in just a few years, especially considering the last two vintages have not been among the most favorable.
89 Wine Spectator
Elegant, sporting cherry, black currant, spice and tobacco notes, this is vivd and fluid at once, with firm tannins for support. Merlot. Drink now through 2020. 250 cases made. –BS
Producer
Querciabella
Establish in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni, the Querciabella winery is based in the picturesque Tuscan hills. Today, the estate covers 74 hectares of key Chianti Classico vineyards in the communes of Greve, Panzano, Radda and Gaiole, as well as 32 hectares along the Etruscan coast in Maremma. Priding themselves on their devotion to nature, Querciabella has practiced organic viticulture since 1988 and has since converted to biodynamic practices in 2000. Giuseppe’s son, Sebastiano Coassia Castiglioni is now at helm. The estate produces seven unique wines that reflect each of Querciabella’s distinct terroirs. Five of these are produced from their vineyard holdings in the Chianti Classico zone, including their flagship – Camartina – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Querciabella is one of the region’s finest producers, incorporating both quality and typicity year after year.