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Baffonero 2018 75cl

DOC | Maremma Toscana | Tuscany | Italy
CHF 183.75
Critics scores
97 By Vinous
93 By Wine Spectator
The 2018 Baffonero is a worthy follow up to the 2017. Whereas so many 2018s lean towards the more gracious end of the spectrum, Baffonero packs quite a punch, albeit in the slightly more restrained style of the year. Inky, exotically ripe dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, new leather and lavender all build as this exuberant, Maremma red shows off its undeniable allure. Baffonero, 100% Merlot, emerges from a 3.5 hectares planted in 1999, which have recently been supplanted by another hectare or so of vineyards. In 2018, a cool growing season without excessive heat, rare in this part of Tuscany, resulted in a long growing cycle. There was some rain early on, especially during flowering, but that, along with moderate temperatures, helped the vines from going into heat stress, which is always the risk on the Tuscan coast. Harvest for the Merlot was about ten days later than normal. The 2018 was vinified in cement, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aging was 18-20 months in French oak, about 80% new.
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.