About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Baffonero comes from Vigna Baffonero, a 3 ha Merlot vineyard below the Renzo Piano-designed cellar in Gavorrano. Its north/south-west orientation exposes the vines to afternoon sunlight. A prevailing north-westerly summer wind tempers daytime heat and encourages slower ripening, while the day–night temperature range supports aroma development and the retention of organic acids. Predominantly shale-rich, freely draining ground limits vine vigour and produces small, loose, even bunches with dense berry tissue. Shoot selection, canopy management and crop thinning are carried out meticulously.
Grapes
100% Merlot, derived from vine clones supplied by Château Lafite when the estate’s joint venture was established.
Vinification
Vinified in concrete, with a 15-day fermentation or maceration period at a controlled 27°C. Malolactic fermentation is completed.
Ageing
Aged for 24 months in new 225 L French oak barriques, followed by 12 months in bottle.
Technical data
The vineyard lies at 90 m a.s.l. and is trained to spurred cordon at 5,900 vines/ha. The 2020 technical sheet gives a yield of 25 q/ha. Available formats are 0.75 L, 1.5 L and 3 L. Production amounts to a few thousand bottles.
Tasting profile
An impenetrable ruby-red wine. The 2020 profile combines blackberry and blueberry with balsamic eucalyptus, light coffee and tobacco. The palate is elegant and harmonious, with silky tannins, pronounced acidity and a long, persistent finish. The broader profile also includes vanilla and an evolution toward chocolate in the glass, with a full, robust structure and sustaining freshness.
Serving and pairing
Suited to equally structured food: stewed red meats, game and sharp cheeses.
Vintage notes
The 2020 season began with a mild, rainy winter and an early but relatively cool spring. Warmer weather and normal rainfall from late April supported regular vegetative development. Frequent June rain was followed by a dry, fairly hot summer. Rain at the end of August lowered temperatures, with night-time minima reaching 13°C; these conditions helped Merlot develop its aromatic profile. The harvested bunches were intact, healthy and juicy.
Label / history
The name recalls traditional Tuscan wild-boar hunts. The hunt leader was nicknamed “Baffonero” for his thick black moustache. The wine has been produced since 2007.
