Andrea Franchetti began making Palazzi alongside Tenuta di Trinoro, with an eye toward producing two wines reminiscent of the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux. A blend of hand-harvested grapes from across the estate, Palazzi comes from a selection of older Merlot vines, comprising about five to seven hectares. Fermentation in stainless steel vats for 10-15 days. Aging 5 months in French oak barrels and 1 year in cement tanks.

Several months in new barrel add layers of richness and complexity, making the wine approachable and pleasing from release, with elegant structure that can stand the test of time. It is one of the great examples of Italian Merlot, and only a small quantity is produced each year.

“Because of frost and a cold spring, some of the vineyard parcels at this estate saw late harvest dates. But the Merlot was the first to come off the vines by the 14th of September. The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Palazzi is a pure expression of Merlot with incoming fruit from the Palazzi vineyard that is characterized by dense clay soils. The wine’s intensity is what stands out most, and that power is fueled by lovely nuances of black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and baker’s chocolate. The alcohol content weighs in at 15.5%. Palazzi excels in terms of mouthfeel. The smooth richness and deep softness achieved here is only possible with this grape. Furthermore, it seems only possible in this spectacular, sun-drenched corner of undiscovered Tuscany known as Sarteano.” 96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate