Querciabella Palafreno Toscana Rosso 2015
Suggested Food Pairings:
Giuseppe (Pepito) Castiglioni, an industrial entrepreneur and lifelong wine lover bought a single hectare of a vineyard on a Tuscan hillside and set about creating an estate that would now spans the breadth of the region. The name Querciabella means "Beautiful Oaks" as they are surrounded by wonderful oak trees. Querciabella’s commitment to creating extraordinary wines, without causing harm or disrupting the delicate balance of nature, is what makes their wines as lively and beautiful as their land.
The 2015 Palafreno is one of the more understated which Tuscan Merlots readers will come across. This site, in the Ruffoli district of Greve, at 400 meters above sea level, yields a distinctly savory, nuanced Merlot that emphasizes energy and nuance over power, all of which make it a truly special and distinctive wine. Even in this warm year, Palafreno needs time in the bottle to soften the tannins. Its drinking window is from 2022 - 2035.
Tasting Notes
Bright, intense ruby red color. Fragrant nose of blackberry, cherry and mulberry, with spicy components (quendel, tyhmian). Full-bodied on the palate with very chewy yet polished tannins and a long and flavorful finish.
Food Pairing
A young Palafreno works very well with fennel seeds, caraway, star anise or five-spice and herbs such as tarragon, basil and chervil. The sweetness in caramelised root vegetables, especially roasted butternut or honey nut squash, red bell peppers, onions and red and golden beets helps bring out the vibrant red fruit in the wine. With some age, Palafreno can be paired with terrines or a mushroom-walnut pâté, polenta with grilled mushrooms and herbs, a caramelised onion tart or simple pasta with truffles.
Country: Tuscany - Italy
