Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyards are in Gavorrano, in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany, at 90 m above sea level. The soils are rich and of medium density.
Vinification
Harvest takes place in the first half of September. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out in steel tanks at a controlled 27 °C, to bring out the fresh berry notes. Malolactic fermentation is complete and softens the acidity.
Ageing
The wine spends 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% of them new, which add notes of spice and cedar. After bottling it is aged a further 9 months, allowing more layers of flavour to develop.
Tasting profile
An elegant dry red of strong character. The aroma is complex, combining berries, flowers and spices. The palate is rich and juicy, with lively acidity and concentrated red fruit, leading to a smooth, enveloping finish with herbal notes.
Serving and pairing
Decanting for half an hour before serving is recommended. It suits a wide range of meat dishes.
Label / history
First released in 2004. The wine comes from Rocca di Frassinello, the first joint Italian-French winemaking project. The Italian partner is Castellare di Castellina, owned by Paolo Panerai; the French partner is Baron Eric de Rothschild, owner of Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite in Bordeaux. The estate is one of Maremma's largest. Its first wines were released in 2004.
The red-brick winery stands on a low hill, topped by a rectangular tower, beside the road between Rome and Pisa. It was designed by the architect Renzo Piano. The cellar is built in the shape of an ancient Roman arena and holds 2500 barrels. It is lit by sunlight through an opening in the ceiling. During harvest the grapes are unloaded on a large terrace and, after initial sorting, move down into the cellar by gravity. The terrace overlooks vineyard-covered hills, fields and hunting grounds.
