Named after the vineyard that produces it, Quercegobbe, located at the edges of the Maquis shrubland facing the sea. The ideal position for Merlot, which favours hilly land and windy climates. Its rows, planted in 1997, are in the vineyards closest to the production cellar. The ideal distance, and not only physically, because Merlot is Francesca Moretti’s favourite wine, the field of activity in which she chose to put her intuition, knowledge and plans – and those of her cellar team – to the test.
In Tuscany, as in the Val di Cornia, the new always has age-old roots. The future of Quercegobbe is already written in the typology of the soils, completely identical to the clays of French Pomerol, the kingdom of Merlot.
Soils rich in manganese and etals, transported here by the erosion and accumulation of the nearby metalliferous hills. The result is an elegant and, at the same time, vigorous wine which is afforded meticulous care and attention in the vineyard and the cellar. Harvested in the coolest hours, the wine is fermented in truncated cone-shaped wooden vats at controlled temperatures. At the end of fermentation, it is allowed to age for 15 months, partially in new 600-litre demi-muits and partially in second use barriques. During this period the entire malolactic fermentation process takes place. The ageing process then continues for another 10 months in the bottle.
Tasting:
Intense ruby red colour with lovely colourful tinges. Fragrances rich in red fruit with subtle spicy notes and balsamic aromas of myrtle and eucalyptus. Highly elegant in flavour thanks to its fresh tanginess and well-established mineral content, it has great depth on the palate with fine, silky tannins. Body and acidity are obvious, and most importantly, balanced. Long, vigorous and harmonious length in the finish. - Winery
A pure expression of Merlot, the 2010 Quercegobbe is a massive wine with type-A aromas of black cherry, blackberry preserves, Indian spice and moist tobacco. The style is opulent and boldly layered and the tannins are velvety and firm. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020. - Robert Parker 90 Points
The 2010 Quercegobbe, Petra's 100% Merlot, remains one of the most distinctive wines in the range. Dark cherries, plums, mocha, melted road tar and anise all blossom in the glass. Even with all of its richness, the 2010 maintains a gorgeous sense of energy. The 2010 should continue to drink well for another decade or so. - Antonio Galloni 90 Points
