Le Sommelier Inc.

Varietal: 100% Merlot

Soil type: Stony grounds, sometimes calcareous

Maturation: Fermented in stainless steel tubs. Once it has been soaked it is left to refine for 15 months, partly in new tonneau barrels and partly in second batch barriques. The refinement process proceeds for a further 10 months in bottles.

Alcohol: 14%

Tasting note: Intense and concentrated ruby red.  On the nose, red fruit jams with subtle spicy notes and balsamic traces of myrtle and broom.  On the palate, elegant and vigorous with fine sweet tannins; body, alcohol and acidity evident and balanced. Strong and enduring flavour.

Review: “The estate’s 2006 Quercegobbe (Merlot) flows from the glass with tons of ripe dark fruit, violets, minerals, tar and smoke. This is a beautifully sculpted, opulent wine bursting with complexity, class and elegance. Everything is in the right place. All the 2006 Quercegobbe needs is time in bottle to develop further nuance. That said, the wine is pretty appealing even at this early stage. This is a wonderful high-class Merlot from Petra. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2021. 

Petra is based in Suvereto, one of the warmer microclimates in Tuscany’s Maremma. In 2006, the region enjoyed a spectacular vintage, as is evident in these fine new releases. The Merlot Quercegobbe in particular is a gem.” 94 pts, Wine Advocate www.erobertparker.com