On the 25th of October, the highly anticipated new vintage of the iconic Merlot single vineyard from Petrolo winery, in Tuscany, took center stage in an exclusive presentation. Against the backdrop of the renowned Pipero starred restaurant in Rome, the extraordinary location, meticulously paired dishes, and the impassioned storytelling by one of the most revered wine critics collectively crafted an ambiance reminiscent of the emotions elicited by great works of art.
Art, in its myriad forms, is an eternal pursuit. When the artistry of cooking converges with the art of winemaking, magic unfolds. Concepts like balance, intensity, and harmony cease to be abstract and become tangible sensations, to be relished in silence, eyes closed, to fathom their profound significance. At the heart of this event was the preview of Galatrona 2021, the esteemed label from Petrolo Winery in Tuscany. The sophisticated atmosphere of Pipero, under the meticulous hospitality of its patron Alessandro and the creative mastery of Chef Ciro Scamardella, seamlessly complemented the vibrant narrative of Luca Gardini, alongside the refined presence of Luca Sanjust and his son Rocco, devoted and passionate winemakers
An Exclusive Affair of Harmony
This harmonic combination of elements crafted an unparalleled sense of unity, balance, and beauty. Colors, forms, and spaces intertwined with aromas, flavors, and sensations, forging a rhythm and narrative tension that elevated the experience beyond mere conviviality. Here, the guests shared an intense, emotionally resonant moment of pleasure—a unique occurrence where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, as the alchemical aspect completes the system.
Five meticulously crafted dishes paired with four exceptional wines engaged in an exhilarating game of combinations and permutations, seeking the subtle nuances and hidden sensations that converge into a symphony of flavors when the harmony unfolds.
Commencing with Trebbiano Bòggina B 2021
The journey began with the enthralling Trebbiano Bòggina B 2021, a wine of rarity, with only around 7,000 bottles produced annually. Trebbiano, alongside Sangiovese, stands as the quintessential native grape variety in this Tuscan region. Vinified in French tonneaux and matured on fine lees for 15 months, it unveils an intense and multifaceted character. Dynamic on the palate, it exhibits sharpness and verticality before embracing the mouth with glyceric softness and an ethereal tannic texture.
Its evolving bouquet, from hydrocarbon notes akin to Riesling to the bloom of acacia and broom flowers, created a symphony with the culinary artistry. Particularly delightful was its pairing with raw beef sod, a trompe-l’œil of taste in which the accompanying sauce brought to the plate the flavour of the grilled meat where the wine’s smoky notes harmonized with the flavor. However, the true marriage of love was discovered with Pipero’s Carbonara, amplifying the wine’s intensity and aromatic complexity exponentially.
The ‘Grand Cru’ Merlot: Galatrona 2021
Let us turn our attention to the star of the day now—the magnificent Galatrona 2021, a ‘Grand Cru’ of Merlot, donning a noble Tuscan accent. Planted with Bordeaux clones in the late 1980s, the vineyard captivates with a brilliant ruby hue, releasing a burst of flowers followed by crisp notes of red fruits and balsamic infusions of Mediterranean scrub and white pepper. Bottled for a mere six months, it exudes the exuberance of adolescence—a sunlit beauty that holds a promise of evolving over time, gaining depth and magnificence.
Firm in the center of the palate, Galatrona 2021 maintains a youthful candor and innocence, leaving its full story yet to be unfolded. It invites anticipation for its future evolution, a journey marked by character and a predefined trajectory. To resist the temptation to uncork it immediately is a challenge, yet the prospect of joy remains regardless of the decision.
Petrolo’s Galatrona 2015: A Complex Personality
Sipping the 2015 Galatrona brings forth intense joy indeed, reaffirming the evolutionary potential witnessed in its younger counterpart. A wine of balance, harmony, and depth, it transitions from fresh and taut to expansive and magnificent, conquering every corner of the palate with persuasive progression. Versatile in its pairings, it complements every dish on the menu, reaching its pinnacle with the fillet of beef and plum—a testament to the timeless allure of great classics, always a reliable choice.
If the intention was to create a sensory experience akin to an artistic masterpiece, the goal has undoubtedly been met. This tasting can be aptly described as the symphonic rendition of nature’s song—a celebration that transcends pure hedonistic pleasure, instilling joy and emotion in all participants. The exchanged glances and satisfied smiles during the farewell affirm without a doubt the success of this endeavor.
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Sommelier on a Mission 