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. 

In certain years all the elements necessary for making superlative wines—sunlight, rainfall, temperature ranges—all come into perfect alignment. In those years, Querciabella produces Palafreno. The loose galestro schistous clay soils and the southern aspect of the Cipresso and Marrone vineyards allow for a slower ripening which Merlot demands to flourish. Through selective micro-vinification and long maturation, the texture is enhanced to perfection.

The best Merlot grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a double selection process which ensures that only the best berries make it to the fermentation tanks. After racking, the wine matures for about 18 months in fine and extra-fine grained French oak barriques, 20% new. Once in the bottle, the wine ages for at least another year. Only released in the best vintages.

Amidst the global uncertainty, 2020 was a vintage worth remembering, not only because of the challenges it presented but also for the exceptional wines it produced: the bright and vibrant colours, extraordinary intensity, and silky tannins. A cold snap at the end of March disrupted a mild and dry winter that boosted an early budburst and vegetative growth in the vines. During spring, the wetter and rainier conditions required special attention to prevent diseases in the vineyards. Thankfully, nature was generous for the rest of the season, providing ample water and favourable conditions for grape maturation. Despite a drier summer, our viticultural team was as sharp as ever and managed the vineyards well, resulting in a good quantity of grapes of excellent quality.

Palafreno reveals its sublime character 6–7 years after harvest. It will continue to evolve for at least 20 years. Best served between 64°- 68°F.