Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes grow in Maremma at 100 metres above sea level. Maremma once designated a large coastal area of Tuscany and Lazio, taking in the provinces of Livorno, Viterbo and Grosseto; today it is a smaller area roughly corresponding to the province of Grosseto. The region was originally very marshy, and its name comes from the Spanish "marisma", meaning "marsh". The text regards Maremma as a promising terroir.
Vinification
Harvest takes place in the first half of September. The must ferments in steel tanks at a controlled temperature for 15–20 days, and malolactic fermentation follows.
Ageing
After malolactic fermentation the wine ages first in cement tanks and then in the bottle.
Tasting profile
Distinctive in character, with a firm structure and plenty of fruit.
Label / history
Poggio alla Guardia is the third wine released by Rocca di Frassinello. The winery was conceived as a special project combining seemingly incompatible ideas: preserving essential winemaking traditions while introducing new technology, practical architecture and design, visual impact and a touch of provocation. It is 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 winery was designed by Renzo Piano. Its brick-red building crowned by a rectangular tower stands on a low hill beside the road between Rome and Pisa. The cellar holds 2,500 barrels and is shaped like an ancient Roman arena, lit by sunlight through an opening in the ceiling. Ripe grapes are unloaded on a large terrace and, after initial sorting, move by gravity down into the cellar. The terrace overlooks vineyard-covered hills, fields and hunting grounds.
