Petrolo can well be said to have given a new visibility to the lower Arno valley, the stretch between Florence and Arezzo, with a series of wines which began in 1988. Quality remains high, as the 2002 Terre di Galatrona indicates, the regular bottling which blends Sangiovese and Merlot and survived the rains of 2002 to provide pleasurable fruit and a soft texture for immediate drinking. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The elegant, reasonably priced 2000 Terre di Galatrona (70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot) might be called a "mini-super Tuscan." It possesses ripe fruit, medium body, and sweet currant and strawberry characteristics with hints of earth and oak in the background. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot, this dark ruby-colored 1999 offers copious quantities of red and black fruits intermixed with spicy wood, new saddle leather, and earth. It possesses surprising complexity for its price, in addition to medium body, a harmonious palate, and nicely integrated acidity and tannin. It should drink well for 3-4 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

A good value is the 1998 Terre di Galatrona, a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot aged in oak for 12 months prior to bottling. Its medium dark ruby color is accompanied by spicy, leathery, dried herb, and berry fruit aromas, an elegant, stylish personality, good harmony, and well-integrated acidity and tannin. It is meant to be drunk over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200