Winemaker Notes
Palafreno is a monumental Merlot with an ethereal lightness of touch. Exclusively released in years when ripening conditions are near perfection.
Vegan-Friendly
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2020 Palafreno (100% Merlot) is packed with dark fruit, mocha, new leather, spice and espresso. It emerges from vineyards at elevation in the Ruffoli district. Merlot seems to be more transparent with regards to an expression of place, whereas, interestingly, Cabernet is much stronger in varietal expression in the Camartina blend. The deep, saline finish is seriously impressive. The 2020 is superb, especially for a wine that was bottled just a few weeks before this tasting. Aging was done in 225-liter barrels, about 20% new.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A more saturated red/purple color, the 2020 Palafreno is all Merlot and reveals a very pretty bouquet of violets, fresh plums, and black raspberries. It offers a lot of fresh lift on the palate, which is full-bodied though not heavy, with sweet tannins and a nice poppy lift throughout, while retaining wonderfully balanced ripeness and very nice notes of fresh earth on the finish. Drink 2026-2045.
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James Suckling
Plenty of ripe blackberries and wild berries here with currant bush, sea shell and crushed stones. Hints of black olives and walnuts, too. Full-bodied, so vivid and pure with a broad and succulent mouthfeel and super fine, transparent tannins. Tense and steady with a mineral backbone and mouthwatering acidity. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Better from 2026.
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Wine Spectator
Bursting with juicy black cherry, black currant and blueberry flavors, this red's fruit is matched by dense, refined tannins and lively acidity. Gains depth from underlying elements of Mediterranean herbs and mineral. Long finish. Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2042.
Founded in 1974, Querciabella enjoys the acclaim of the world’s most discriminating critics and consumers for wines such as Camartina, Batàr, Palafreno and Querciabella Chianti Classico. In its uncompromising pursuit of quality, sustainability and authenticity, Querciabella has continually honed its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards located throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the mindful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural, winemaking.
With 183 acres of prime Chianti Classico vineyards – located in the municipalities of Greve, Panzano, Radda and Gaiole – in addition to 79 acres in Maremma on Tuscany’s unspoiled Etruscan coast, Querciabella’s holdings represent the largest extensions of biodynamically farmed (certified organic) vineyards in Italy, contributing extraordinary biodiversity to local and surrounding ecosystems and serving as a sanctuary for thriving numbers of honeybee colonies.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.