Profile Petra Winery, Maremma, Italy

Profile of Petra Winery

It's the dream of every wine lover who has allowed themselves to be seduced by the rolling vineyards, forests, and olive groves of Tuscany: to find a little corner to call your own and to join in the age-old tradition of coaxing luscious wines out of the soil. For Vittorio Moretti and his daughter, Francesca, who discovered this beautiful seaside estate while on vacation nearby, the dream came true. In 1997 the pair founded this small boutique winery in Maremma Toscana in Suvereto, where the hills of Val di Cornia rise toward the Colline Metallifere.

Three hundred hectares make up the peaceful estate, although only a third is planted with vineyards. Sitting on the edge of the Tirreno Sea, they're constantly caressed by the breezes blowing in off the Follonica Gulf. The soil of the steep slopes here (which form part of the Colline Metallifere, or "Metal-Yielding Hills") is particularly mineral-rich and ruddy colored, leading to strong-willed, complex wines. The vineyards' layout, which is a patchwork of different varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc) seemingly strewn about randomly, is no coincidence. The arrangement is based on long and careful studies of the soil, wind, sun and climate conditions in each area of the estate. Only the vines most suited to a particular area were planted there.

Deep consideration went into the creation of the spectacularly designed winery as well. A stunning contemporary structure designed by the famed Swiss architect Mario Botta (who also designed the San Francisco Museum of ModernArt), it uses sweeping lines and a ruddy, earth-toned color scheme to complement its environment. The building digs 500 feet deep to create a state-of-the-art cellar, while above ground it is a poetic addition to this land of groves and vineyards. The four high-end wines made here -- Ebo, Petra, Quercegobbe and Zingari -- are known for being expressive, aromatic wines with a fresh modern style.

For our special clients, we can organize a VIP visit and tasting at the Petra estate, as part of your luxury Tuscan wine tour. Contact us for more info on: info@cellartours.com

Address:

Petra
Loc. San Lorenzo Alto 131, Suvereto, Li
Italy

Tel: +39 0565 845308
Fax: +39 0565 845728
Email: info@petrawine.it
Web: www.petrawine.it

Winery Details

D.O.C.Val di Cornia, Northen Maremma, Tuscany
Founded:1997
Owner:Moretti family
Director:Pierangelo Bonomi
Winemaker:Pascal Chatonnet and Pierangelo Bonomi
Area under Vine:100 hectares
Oak:On average the winery uses 400 new French oak barriques (Capacity: 225 litres) each year. They're then used twice depending on the wine and on the desired ageing period.
Grape Varietals:: The three most important varietals are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese; Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc are also used.
Age of Vines:The oldest vineyard is about 25 years old The average age of the others is about 7 years old. The youngest was planted in 2006.

Vineyards

The 100 hectares are all planted near the Tirreno sea, on the Follonica Gulf. They are divided into three main allotments. The first and the biggest, near the winery itself, is located 6km from the shore at 120m above see level. The second one is much closer to the see at 80m above sea level. Like a balcony on the gulf, with some of the steepest slopes of the property, it faces southwest and catches all the light reflected on the water. The third one is located 350m. above sea level, 15 km from the shore. These hills are part of the Colline Metallifere, with soil particularly red in color, rich in minerals with a much cooler climate. Temperatures are very high during the day and drop at night, suited condition for varietals like Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

More Information on Luxury Wine Vacations in Tuscany:

If you would like Cellar Tours to customize a Wine Tour or Luxury Day Excursion in Italy, for individuals or groups, contact us on: info@cellartours.com