Petrolo
Summary
Petrolo is a family-owned estate in Tuscany's Val d'Arno di Sopra where the Bazzocchi family produces approximately 90,000 bottles annually from 31 hectares of vineyards planted on galestro, alberese, and sandstone soils at 300-450 meters elevation. Certified organic since 2016, the estate combines traditional and innovative techniques, including concrete and wooden fermentation vessels, French oak aging, and terracotta amphorae, while balancing their Sangiovese-focused portfolio with the acclaimed single-vineyard Merlot, Galatrona.
Heritage & Leadership
Petrolo was established in the 1940s when the Bazzocchi family acquired the estate located in the Val d'Arno di Sopra region of southeastern Tuscany. The property, which includes a medieval tower dating to the 11th century, has been transformed over generations into a respected wine producer. The estate is currently under the leadership of Luca Sanjust, who represents the third generation of family ownership. Sanjust took over management in the early 1990s, following the work of his mother, Lucia Bazzocchi Sanjust, who had previously guided the estate's development.
Under Luca Sanjust's direction, Petrolo has focused on quality-driven production and vineyard-specific wines. A significant milestone occurred in 1993 with the release of Galatrona, a single-vineyard Merlot that helped establish the estate's reputation for exceptional wines beyond traditional Tuscan varieties. The Val d'Arno di Sopra region, where Petrolo is located, received DOC status in 2011, providing formal recognition of the area's distinctive terroir and wine characteristics.
Vineyards & Wines
Petrolo encompasses 272 hectares of land, with 31 hectares dedicated to vineyards situated at elevations between 300 and 450 meters above sea level. The estate is positioned in the southeastern corridor of Chianti, specifically in the commune of Bucine, where the vineyards benefit from the unique microclimate of the Val d'Arno di Sopra. The soil composition varies across the property but predominantly features galestro (schistous clay), alberese (limestone), and sandstone, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity.
The vineyards are planted primarily with Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship wine, Galatrona, comes from a 10-hectare single vineyard of Merlot planted in 1990. Torrione, the estate's Sangiovese-based wine (with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), draws from multiple vineyard sites across the property. Bòggina, another significant offering, is produced from Sangiovese vines planted in the 1950s by Luca's grandmother and represents one of the oldest vineyard blocks on the estate. In addition to these reds, Petrolo produces Bòggina Bianco from Trebbiano and a small amount of olive oil from the estate's olive groves.
Philosophy & Practice
Petrolo has been certified organic since 2016, following a three-year conversion period, though sustainable farming practices have been employed for much longer. The estate follows a minimal intervention approach in both the vineyard and cellar, focusing on expressing the distinctive characteristics of each vineyard site. Manual harvesting is standard practice, with grapes sorted both in the vineyard and again at the winery.
In the cellar, fermentation occurs in a combination of concrete vats and wooden vessels, depending on the wine. Aging protocols vary by wine: Galatrona matures for 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new), while Torrione ages for 15 months in a combination of French barriques and larger oak casks. The Bòggina Sangiovese spends 16-18 months in terracotta amphorae and French oak.
Luca Sanjust has implemented several technical innovations, including the use of amphorae for aging certain wines and the installation of concrete eggs for fermentation. The winemaking team employs a gravity-flow system to minimize mechanical intervention with the grapes and wine. Annual production remains deliberately limited, with approximately 90,000 bottles produced across all wines, allowing for meticulous attention to quality at every stage of production.