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Baffonero 2013 75cl

DOC | Maremma Toscana | Tuscany | Italy
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Critics scores
95 Robert Parker
This wine is intended to challenge, and perhaps provoke, Merlot king Masseto. The Rocca di Frassinello 2013 Maremma Toscana Baffonero hails from a three-hectare single vineyard on the Tuscan Coast. Fermentation and malolactic fermentation is executed in concrete eggs and the wine is aged in 100% new French oak. The first vintage made was 2007 and bottle production tops 3,000 today. This current edition of the wine clocks in at a whopping 39.4 grams per liter of dry extract and all that density definitely makes a bold statement. This wine is thick and vinous with rich primary aromas of blackberry and cherry liqueur. Indian spice and cured tobacco are presented with lavish abandon. This is the ultimate statement wine, for sure, but I'm not sure it has Masseto trembling in its boots just yet.<br/>
93 Wine Spectator
A dense, extracted red, with earth, blackberry and plum flavors, featuring solid tannins and a piquant, spicy feel. A bit burly on the finish, yet richly textured, featuring sweet fruit for balance. The tannins become more integrated with air, so decant now or age. Merlot. Best from 2017 through 2024. 250 cases made. –BS baffonero
Producer
Rocca di Frassinello
The vinous project, Rocca di Frassinello represents the first and up until now, only joint-venture between an Italian and French producer. The key players, the characteristic Castellare di Castellina of Chianti, and the wine-producing superstar, Domaines Barons de Rothschild of the celebrated Bordeaux Château Lafite-Rothschild, built this Maremma based estate quite recently. With the first vintages released in the early 2000s, the 500-hectare property consists of 80-hectares under vine. Combining the broad viticultural expertise of both estates, Castellare di Castellina’s use of the typical Tuscan grape, Sangioveto, and Domaines Barons de Rothschild’s use of the French staple varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Shiraz – Rocca di Frassinello produces several high-caliber wines. Rivaling the best of Italy and France, the top wine, Rocca di Frassinello has even become one of the leading competitors against Italy’s most famous, Masseto. This Maremma based winery, in the municipality of Gavorrano is an icon, a true extension of both the Italian and French wine-making talents.