Maremma Toscana IGT Merlot Baffonero 2020 Rocca di Frassinello

What kind of wine it is

Baffonero by Rocca di Frassinello is a red wine produced in Maremma Toscana from Merlot grapes. It was created as one of the first oenological projects from the collaboration between Castellare di Castellina and Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite. The winemaking process includes fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete vats and extended aging in new barriques, followed by a period of bottle aging. The style is full and complex, with a well-perceived freshness and a robust structure.

Where it comes from

This red hails from the eponymous vigna Baffonero, located in the Tuscan territory. The vineyard was among the first to be planted by the estate and stands out for its ideal exposure conditions. Its territorial identity is closely linked to this single plot, which ensures a defined expression of the varietal characteristics. Its creation is part of a historic and precise collaboration among distinguished wine-making realities.

How it’s made

The grapes intended for this wine are harvested and selected entirely by hand during the first half of September. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats at a controlled temperature, a method chosen to optimize aroma extraction. Once malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine matures for fourteen months in new French oak barriques, a stage that helps define the spicy texture. The process concludes with a further twelve months of bottle aging.

Tasting notes

Visually, the wine displays an intense ruby red color. The bouquet opens with clear aromas of blackberry and blueberry, which blend harmoniously with elegant vanilla notes from the wood aging. On the palate, it’s a full and complex wine, distinguished by pleasant freshness and notable robustness. The finish maintains perfect coherence between dark fruit nuances and the notes derived from aging.

Food pairings

Its significant structure and noticeable freshness make it the perfect match for boldly flavored dishes. It pairs perfectly with braised red meats and game recipes. The aromatic richness and taste structure also find an excellent balance with a selection of piquant cheeses, where the wine supports the food’s intensity and offers a deep, satisfying sip.

When to serve it

This is a red wine suited for important dinners and occasions that call for a label with great structure and complexity. Thanks to the prolonged aging in wood and the bottle aging carried out by the winery, it arrives in the glass ready to be enjoyed in an appropriate culinary context. Its robust nature makes it particularly well-suited for cooler seasons or tastings focused on Tuscan reds, offering a refined and precise sensory experience.