Rocca Di Frassinello Maremma Toscana 2015 (750ml)

 

Rated 93 Points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Sangioveto (otherwise known as Sangiovese) is enhanced with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to make the 2015 Maremma Toscana Rocca di Frassinello.  This wine is showing improved results as the estate's vines grow in age and, consequently, in complexity with each passing year.  Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, and the wine later ages in barrique for 14 months.  It shows enormous richness and power that is delivered in a happily balanced manner, thanks to the ripe and opulent nature of the fruit in this vintage.  There is a point of sweetness followed by dark fruit flavors and balanced spice.  This wine will continue its evolution over the better part of the next decade.

 

Rated 93 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Aromas and flavors of mineral, black cherry, blackberry and tar highlight this rich, vibrant red.  The tannins are well-integrated.  Extends nicely on the finish.  Sangioveto, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Best from 2018 through 2025.

 

Rated 90 Points by Wine Enthusiast

 

Made with 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers aromas of black currant, underbrush and green peppercorn.  The juicy palate offers dried black cherry, tobacco and ground black pepper alongside fine-grained tannins.

 

Rated 90 Points by James Suckling

 

This is a little cooked with light raisin, treacle tart and chocolate character.  Full body, chewy and flavorful.  A little overdone but I still like it.

 

Rocca Di Frassinello Maremma Toscana 2015

 

The top label, Rocca di Frassinello is the highest expression of this Italian-French project.  A wine able to mix strength, intensity and elegance with delicate tannins which express its fullness.  This wine was created from a collaboration between Christian Le Sommer, Enologist of Les Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite, and Alessandro Cellai.

 

Winemaker Notes

 

Blend: 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot

 

Intense ruby red color.  Sweet red berries, roses and licorice are among the aromas and flavors that emerge from this great red.  Polish and supremely elegant personality.  Great structure with a pleasant long finish.

 

Food Pairings

 

Ideal with long-cooked meat dish and barbecues.  Delicious with aged cheeses.

 

Vineyard & Production Information

 

Vineyard Appellation:  Maremma Toscana DOC

 

Soil Composition:  Schist soil and medium mixture rich on clay and skeleton

 

Training Method:  Spurred Cordon

 

Elevation:  From 40 to 100 m a.s.l.

 

Vines / hectare:  5,800/Ha

 

Exposure:  West to East (Sangioveto); South (Cabernet Sauvignon)

 

Age:  15-16 Years

 

Harvest Time:  September to Mid October

 

First Vintage:  2004

 

Production:  50,000 Bottles

 

Winemaking & Aging

 

Varietal Composition:  60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot

 

Fermentation Container:  Stainless steel tanks at 27° C for 15-20 days

 

Maceration Technique:  Frequent delestages and pumping over (20-25 days)

 

Type of aging container:  French Barriques

 

Length of aging before bottle:  14 Months

 

Length of bottle aging:  11 Months

 

Alcohol:  14.5%

 

 

Rocca di Frassinello Winery

 

       Producer Profile

 

Estate owned by:  Paolo Panerai

 

Winemaker:  Alessandro Cellai

 

Total acreage of vine:  186 (75 Ha)

 

Winery Production:  350, 000 Bottles

 

Looking to expand beyond the heavily saturated Chianti Classico area, Castellare turned to the natural outlet of Maremma. 

 

What started as a small expansion plan took on a new dimension, as a unique joint venture between Castellare and Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite, the first partnership of its kind. 

 

The project couples Castellare’s experience in the growing and vinification of Sangioveto with Lafite’s experience in classic French varietals.

 

Extensive research led to a site selection in the hills formed by the two sides of the old Aurelia in Monteregio di Massa Marittima.

 

The first vineyards were planted on 17 acres in 2000; however, today, this successful project oversees almost 200 acres of vineyards in an unrivalled microclimate for native varietals.

 

 

Rated 93 Points by Wine Spectator

 

Aromas and flavors of mineral, black cherry, blackberry and tar highlight this rich, vibrant red.  The tannins are well-integrated.  Extends nicely on the finish.  Sangioveto, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Best from 2018 through 2025.

 

 

 

Rated 90 Points by Wine Enthusiast

 

Made with 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers aromas of black currant, underbrush and green peppercorn.  The juicy palate offers dried black cherry, tobacco and ground black pepper alongside fine-grained tannins.