Toscana IGT Rosso Palafreno 2020 Querciabella

What kind of wine it is

Palafreno di Querciabella is a red wine from Tuscany made from pure Merlot. Produced in the Chianti area, it combines ripe fruit, a smooth tannic texture, and a full yet well-balanced structure. The winemaking process includes skin maceration and aging for 18 months in French oak barriques, with some new wood, to deliver a well-integrated spicy and balsamic profile.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the vineyards of Ruffoli, in the municipality of Greve in Chianti, and from the Cipresso and Marrone parcels. Querciabella manages over 70 hectares spread across Greve, Radda, and Gaiole, with vineyards set in a rural landscape surrounded by olive groves and oak woods. The soils are rich in galestro.

How it is made

Palafreno is produced with classic red winemaking. After the harvest, the Merlot grapes ferment with skin maceration to extract color, tannins, and aromatic components. After fermentation, the wine rests for 18 months in French oak barriques, part of which are new, to integrate the contribution of wood without making it dominant, resulting in roundness, complexity, and persistence.

Tasting notes

In the glass it shows a deep ruby color. On the nose, it reveals scents of ripe cherry, accompanied by balsamic notes and hints of spice intertwined with the fruit. On the palate the sip is rich and enveloping, supported by velvety, well-integrated tannins; the finish is long, with returning fruit and spicy nuances.

Food pairings

Pairs well with braised and grilled meats, game stews, and aged cheeses, enhancing dishes with pronounced structure. Its velvety tannic texture and rich mouthfeel complement preparations where succulence and aromatic intensity are key, maintaining balance even with slow-cooked and boldly flavored dishes.

When to serve it

This red is ideal for lunches and dinners featuring meat dishes and aged cheeses, when a structured and well-organized wine is desired. The 18 months in barriques make it suitable for occasions seeking a generous sip, with tannins already well-integrated and a profile of ripe fruit supported by balsamic and spicy nuances, perfect for leisurely enjoyment at the table.