Variety: Merlot (100%)
Viticulture: Biodynamic since 2000; organic since 1988
Average production: 3,000 bottles [250 cases]
Appellation: Toscana IGT
First vintage: 2000
Average yield (wine): 30 hl/ha [320 gallons/acre]
Average alcohol content: 14.0% vol.
Tech sheet
Scheda tecnica
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The vineyards are located in Ruffoli, one of the most renowned areas of Chianti Classico, in the commune of Greve in Chianti at an altitude of 350 m above sea level.
Palafreno 2015
94/100 Antonio Galloni · Vinous
94/100 James Suckling
92/100 Luca Maroni
Palafreno 2013
96/100 Falstaff
96/100 James Suckling
94/100 Antonio Galloni · Vinous
94/100 Daniele Cernilli · DoctorWine
93/100 Bruce Sanderson · Wine Spectator
90/100 Luca Maroni
Grande Vino · Slow Wine
Palafreno 2012
95/100 Susan Hulme MW · Decanter
94+/100 Antonio Galloni · Vinous
93/100 Bruce Sanderson · Wine Spectator
91/100 James Suckling
90/100 Luca Maroni
Palafreno 2010
97/100 Bruce Sanderson · Wine Spectator
94/100 Antonio Galloni · Vinous
90/100 James Suckling
5/5 Antonello Biancalana · DiWine Taste
3/3 Luigi Veronelli
5/5 Bibenda
See Palafreno Scores
Decanting
Palafreno benefits from about 30 minutes of decanting prior to serving.
Ideal serving temperature
18–20° C (64–68° F)
Recommended glasses
Riedel Extreme Cabernet 4441/0
Riedel Performance Cabernet 6884/0
Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux Grand Cru 4400/00
Riedel Sommeliers Hermitage 4400/30
Zalto Bordeaux 11200
Pairing
The richness of the varietal is well balanced by the terroir-borne acidity. The exuberant character and long finish can accompany dishes of rare complexity and unusual combinations of flavours.
Our wines are available throughout Italy and worldwide in some of the very best restaurants and shops. Alternatively, please visit our winery or contact the winery directly.
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0.750 litre, 6 bottle wooden case
1.5 litre, 1 bottle wooden case
3 litre, 1 bottle wooden case
6 litre, 1 bottle wooden case (exceptional vintages)
12 litre, 1 bottle wooden case (exceptional vintages)

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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