When Paolo Panerai decided that owning one of the most revered wineries in Chianti Classico, namely Castellare di Castellina, was not totally fulfilling his ambition, the decision to find another location for a new winery firmly adhered to the basic principles of excellence put in motion at Castellare di Castellina.
Central Maremma was the region for this new venture, similar to other famous areas of Tuscany but with a special microclimate.
The chosen land lies on the hillside of the old Aurelia road thus forming a sort of canyon through which the sea wind between Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto blows across.
This constant breeze takes away any excessive moisture from the air and provides and equable climate during winter and summer months as well as asserting major temperature differences between day and night.
The location also permits irrigation during times of extreme heat and drought, which is not allowed in other famous wine regions of Tuscany.
Furthermore, with the first French-Italian joint venture for the production of wine with renowned Domains Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), brought together the experience of Castellare with Sangioveto and the vast experience of international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz of the French partner.
Within two years the purchase of 5 farms totalling an area of 500 hectares in now known as Rocca di Frassinello. Today 90 hectares are planted with vines.
With the land purchase in place, all that was left for this enterprise was to build a winery befitting the ambitions of the owners; world famous Italian architect Renzo Piano was commissioned to design the winery. The result is a stunning edifice incorporating the largest single barrel room in the world measuring 40 m x 40 m square and 18 metres in height with no supporting columns. If ever pure theatre in a winery was to be viewed - look no further!
The wines of Rocca di Frassinello and indeed all of the wines of the DCC estates are under the expert eye of head wine maker and managing director Alessandro Cellai the enormously talented enologist and the chosen heir to the great Giacomo Tachis.
The three principals wines of Rocca di Frassinello are:
Le Sughere di Frassinello Maremma Toscana DOC, - Sangioveto 50% - Merlot 25% - Cabernet Sauvignon 25%
Rocca di Frassinello Maremma Toscana DOC - Sangioveto 60% - Merlot 20% - Cabernet Sauvignon 20%
Baffonero Maremma Toscana DOC - 100% Merlot
Tasting Notes
Rocca di Frassinello Le Sughere di Frassinello 2014
Deep ruby colour, red sweet fruit, Victoria plum. Floral bouquet with predominance of lavender, eastern spice, trace of cocoa. Rounded. 2018-2028
Points 90 TW
Rocca di Frassinello 2014
Ruby red in colour, floral bouquet showing violet. Wild strawberry and raspberry, dried tobacco, Mediterranean herbs. Rich and bold. 2018-2028
Points 92 TW
Rocca di Frassinello Baffonenero 2014
Dark ruby red in colour, black fruits, chocolate. tobacco, spiced orange peel. Balanced, complex with a unique stylised mouthfeel. 2018-2030
Points 93 TW