Palafreno

Palafreno is a monumental Merlot
with an ethereal lightness of touch.
Exclusively released in years
when ripening conditions are
near perfection.

Grape Varieties

Merlot

Another stellar wine from Querciabella.

Antonio Galloni Vinous 2020

Merlot magic. Easily the best ever.

James Suckling jamessuckling.com 2017

Merlot of absolute enological greatness.

Antonello Biancalana DiWine Taste 2016

A Merlot built on exquisite finesse. 94+/100

Antonio Galloni Vinous 2015

Ecstatic enlightenment.

Luigi Veronelli veronelli.com 2003

In certain years the elements necessary for winemaking – sunlight, rainfall, temperature ranges – all come into perfect alignment. In those years, we make Palafreno.

Silky texture, beguiling aromas and a savoury, sustained finish that develops in pure pleasure make it a true connoisseur’s wine that lives up to its namesake: Palafreno refers to a medieval parade horse and, in our intention, showcases the world-class value of our vineyards in Ruffoli.

So exceptional that it has been released only a dozen times since it first made headlines. The sensational vintages of 2000 and 2001 included Sangiovese in the blend. However, it was in 2004 that Palafreno really found its stride as a small batch, 100% Merlot aged in fine-grained barrique. Our latest release, the exceptional 2020, is the perfect wine to pull out when you want to experience the height of what this grape can achieve.

Although it takes efforts to grow Merlot to perfection, by balancing the richness of the varietal with the terroir-borne acidity, we craft a sublime wine fitting for the finest collections. In the glass, Palafreno offers plenty of hedonistic delight and, on the table, is a phenomenal companion to dishes of rare complexity and unusual combinations of flavours.

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Technical

Vineyards

Ruffoli, Greve in Chianti.
The Cipresso and Marrone vineyards are located on a slope close to the cellar buildings, at around 350 – 400 m a.s.l. with south, south-west orientation, where the vines grow on loose galestro schistous clay soils. Clay retains water and maintains cool, consistent temperatures below the vine, which is helpful in Tuscany’s sunny vineyards, where the Merlot grapes might otherwise become overripe and lose acidity. The grapes from higher up the slope show distinct concentration and intensity, whereas those from the lower end, richer in clay, have a fresher delivery.

Since 2020, the inclusion of grapes from Vigna Due, perched at an elevation of 600 m a.s.l., has brought a revitalising vibrancy, enriching Palafreno’s profile and infusing newfound depth, even in warmer vintages.

Scores

Serving

Tasting

Pairing

Palafreno offers plenty of hedonistic delight on the table with its velvety texture, and a savoury, sustained finish. It generally pairs well with Italian cuisine, as it can take the acidity of tomato-based dishes and a bit of hot spiceness. With older vintages, choose richer foods with earthy flavours like root vegetables, mushrooms, lentils and beans, to allow Palafreno to shine and reveal the depth of its varietal expression.

· Lentil pot roast with porcini mushrooms and spiced cranberry sauce
· Mushroom and potato Wellington with thyme and rosemary
· Parsnip, chestnut and cranberry loaf with a sage butter drizzle
· Vegan Eggplant Parmigiana
· Butternut squash lasagne with a creamy garlic-tahini sauce
· Creamy Cumin-Spiced Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese

Formats

Label

Name
Palafreno is an ancient Italian word designating a noble riding horse used by medieval knights for travel, parades or tournaments. It is a reference to the Italian Renaissance epic poem, Orlando Furioso.

Design
The label, designed by Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni,features artwork from artist and designer John Downer, whose impeccable technique evokes the style of marble floors and Roman mosaics found in Tuscan churches.
The typeface Simona was designed by Jane Patterson and John Downer for Querciabella’s exclusive and proprietary use.
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