Rocca di Frassinello is a joint venture between Italian and French partners, and the vineyards in Maremma, Tuscany, cover almost 90 hectares. The grapes reflect that mix. Sangioveto and Vermentino come from Italy, and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz come from France.
Renzo Piano designed the cellar. The barrel room sits underground, which keeps humidity and temperature stable without much intervention.
Most of the wines are blends. The Rocca di Frassinello blend draws Sangiovese from the Old Vines vineyard, planted in 2000, Merlot from the Eucalyptus Vineyard and Cabernet Sauvignon from Poggio alla Guardia. Ornello blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangioveto and Syrah under the Maremma Toscana DOC. Baffonero is the exception, a 100% Merlot made as a challenger to Masseto. Le Sughere di Frassinello made the Wine Spectator Top 100 in its fifth vintage.
Not tasted yet
I haven't reviewed a wine from Rocca di Frassinello yet. They're on my Top 100 list, which is built from awards.