Palafreno 2008: The colour is deep ruby, tending to garnet. On the nose prevailing aromas of undergrowth and tomatoes, with some eucalyptus, dark cherries and balsamic notes. In the mouth less intense than you would expect on the nose. Good acidity and well-integrated tannins. Very nice finish. Some chocolate flavours accompany the very long aftertaste. Sip after sip the sensations keep changing, which makes this wine outstanding.
Palafreno is made with 100% merlot grapes. It is produced only in the most favorable vintages at an average of 3’000 bottles per year.
Querciabella winery is located in Greve in Chianti, one hour drive from Florence. It was founded in 1974 by Giuseppe (Pepito) Castiglioni, an industrial entrepreneur and lifelong wine lover. His son Sebastiano converted the estate to organic viticulture in 1988, making Querciabella one of the first wineries in Italy to employ this practice. In the year 2000, he introduced a 100% plant‑based approach to biodynamics that forbids the use of animal products on the vineyards and in the cellar. Palafreno’s first vintage coincides with the first year of biodynamic farming at Querciabella.
I received this bottle as a present from a dear friend. It sells at around 130 CHF.
Additional note: On July 14, 2020 I’ve been able to visit the winery in Greve in Chianti. The hospitality has been outstanding and free of charge. Since I expressed high appreciation for Palafreno, they opened a bottle of the 2013 vintage to make me taste it. It is probably still a bit young, but I can only reaffirm my enthusiasm for this wine.
Country: Italy
Region: Greve in Chianti
Grapes: Merlot
Type: Red
Vintage: 2008
Producer: Querciabella
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5