ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO LE SUGHERE MAREMMA DOC 2020

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections and excellent concentration.

Nose: Complex and elegant aromatics featuring ripe black cherries, blackberries, and plum, complemented by Mediterranean herbs, tobacco leaf, and subtle vanilla. Secondary aromas reveal notes of leather, dried flowers, balsamic hints, and a distinctive mineral quality characteristic of Maremma terroir. The bouquet shows impressive depth with well-integrated oak nuances of cedar, sweet spice, and cocoa.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with remarkable balance between structure and elegance. The entry presents concentrated dark fruit flavors framed by polished tannins and vibrant acidity. The mid-palate develops with layers of complexity—savory herbs, tobacco, dark chocolate, and subtle earthy notes integrate with the fruit core. The texture shows impressive refinement with silky tannins that provide excellent structure without harshness, showcasing the wine's pedigree and thoughtful winemaking.

Finish: Long and harmonious with persistent dark fruit gradually giving way to subtle spice, tobacco, and mineral notes. The finish maintains elegant tension between fruit, acid, and fine-grained tannins—suggesting both immediate appeal and capacity for further development with age.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Producer: Rocca di Frassinello (Joint venture between Castellare di Castellina and Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite)
Region: Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
Classification: Maremma Toscana DOC
Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14.0% ABV
Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel
Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels (partially new)
Production: Limited release
Closure: Natural cork

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES

Le Sughere di Frassinello 2020 sources fruit from the estate vineyards of Rocca di Frassinello, located in Maremma on the Tuscan coast between Bolgheri and Scansano. The vineyards are planted on hillsides (about 90-100 meters above sea level) with southeastern exposure, featuring well-drained soils rich in clay, limestone, and minerals that impart distinctive character to the wines.

The 2020 vintage in Tuscany presented unique challenges and opportunities. After a mild winter and warm spring, summer temperatures were moderate with beneficial diurnal temperature variations. Late summer brought ideal conditions with warm days and cool nights, allowing for gradual ripening and excellent phenolic maturity across all three varieties in the blend.

Each variety was harvested separately at optimal ripeness, with careful attention to maintaining freshness and varietal character. Fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with gentle extraction techniques to build structure while preserving elegance. Following fermentation, the wine aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (a combination of new and used) selected specifically to complement the blend without overwhelming its character.

Le Sughere represents the "second wine" of Rocca di Frassinello, showcasing the estate's unique terroir and Franco-Italian winemaking approach while offering earlier accessibility than the flagship bottling. The name "Le Sughere" refers to the cork oak trees (sugherete) that surround the estate.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

• Tuscan-style grilled bistecca alla fiorentina
• Wild boar ragù with pappardelle
• Herb-roasted rack of lamb
• Aged pecorino cheese
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Roasted game birds with herbs
• Braised beef with root vegetables
• Classic osso buco

ABOUT ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO

Rocca di Frassinello represents a groundbreaking Franco-Italian collaboration between Castellare di Castellina (one of Chianti Classico's top producers) and Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite (owners of Bordeaux's legendary Château Lafite Rothschild). Established in 2002, this ambitious project in Maremma aims to combine Italian terroir and grape varieties with French winemaking expertise.

The estate encompasses 500 hectares, of which 90 hectares are planted to vineyards featuring Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Vermentino. The impressive gravity-flow winery was designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, showcasing the project's commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Located in Maremma, a coastal area of Tuscany that has emerged as one of Italy's most exciting wine regions over the past few decades, Rocca di Frassinello benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by sea breezes and significant day-night temperature variations that promote slow, even ripening.

The winemaking team combines Italian and French expertise, with Christian Le Sommer (formerly technical director at Château Lafite Rothschild) consulting alongside Alessandro Cellai of Castellare. This cross-cultural collaboration has created wines that balance Tuscan character with Bordeaux elegance—showcasing the potential of Maremma to produce world-class wines.

FASCINATING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE

• Le Sughere represents a quintessential "Super Tuscan" approach, blending native Sangiovese with Bordeaux varieties to create a wine that honors Italian terroir while embracing international winemaking influences.
• The Franco-Italian partnership behind Rocca di Frassinello is one of the most prestigious collaborations in Italian wine, bringing together centuries of winemaking tradition from two of Europe's most storied wine cultures.
• Maremma's emergence as a premium wine region represents one of the most significant developments in Italian wine over the past few decades, with the area transforming from a relatively unknown coastal zone to a producer of world-class wines.
• The estate's name references the ancient Etruscan archaeology found on the property, connecting the modern winemaking project to the region's ancient wine history dating back over 2,500 years.
• The Renzo Piano-designed winery is considered an architectural masterpiece, featuring a central square "piazza" around which all winemaking activities revolve, with a striking red hue that has made it an iconic landmark in the region.
• While the flagship Rocca di Frassinello bottling receives more critical attention, many experts consider Le Sughere to represent exceptional value, offering much of the estate's distinctive character and quality at a more accessible price point.
• The 2020 vintage is considered particularly successful for coastal Tuscany, with wines showing excellent balance between ripeness and freshness—ideal for the estate's blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.