Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Tignanello; these mythical wines are known as 'Super Tuscans' and they come from the beautiful coastal Maremma region. Read more
Petra Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED ITALIAN WINERIES
Last updated: November 25, 2023
Winery Overview
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. The dream came true for Vittorio Moretti and his daughter, Francesca, who discovered this beautiful seaside estate while on vacation nearby. In 1997, the pair founded this boutique winery in Maremma Toscana in Suvereto, where Val di Cornia’s hills rise toward the Colline Metallifere.
Although only a third is planted with vineyards, three hundred hectares make up the peaceful estate; sitting on the edge of the Tirreno Sea, they’re continuously caressed by the breezes blowing in off the Follonica Gulf. The soil of the steep slopes (which form part of the Colline Metallifere, or “Metal-Yielding Hills”) is mineral-rich and ruddy colored, leading to strong-willed, complex wines. The vineyards’ layout is a patchwork of different varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc) seemingly strewn about randomly, which is no coincidence. The arrangement is based on long and careful studies of each estate area’s soil, wind, sun, and climate conditions. 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 Modern Art) 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; 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.
Wines produced
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Zingari Igt Toscana Rosso
Petit Verdot and Syrah, with a bit of Sangiovese and Merlot, 13% Alcohol, Stainless steel vinification and 12 months stainless steel aging. -
Ebo Val di Cornia DOC
50% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 13.5% Alcohol, Stainless steel vinification and 12 months in used French oak barriques and barrels. 6 months bottle aging. -
Quercegobbe Merlot Igt Toscana Rosso
100% Merlot, 14% Alcohol, Vinification in French oak 100Hl tanks; aging 15 months in French oak 620 L barrels and 10 months in the bottle. -
Petra Igt Toscana Rosso
70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot, 14% Alcohol, Vinification in French oak 100Hl tanks; aging 18 months in barriques mainly new and 18 months in the bottle.
Winery Contact Details
Petra
Loc. San Lorenzo Alto 13157028 Suvereto (LI)
Italy
Email: [email protected]
Tel +39 0565 845308
Fax +39 0565 845728 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Val di Cornia
Founded
1997
Area under Vine
100 hectares
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.
Oak barrel origin
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.
Winemaker
Pascal Chatonnet and Pierangelo Bonomi
Owner
Moretti family
Production
450,000 Bottles
Grape varietals
The three most important varietals are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese; Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc are also used.
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
Find out more -
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
Find out more -
Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
Find out more -
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red wine grape varietal used in classic Bordeaux blends and originates in southwestern France
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Sangiovese
Unearthing Sangiovese: Italy's Ancient Grape with a Complex History. Explore its journey from Etruscans to modern-day excellence.
Find out more -
Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
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