Tasting Notes
I was looking for a Super Tuscan when I first discovered this wine, i.e. a wine that didn't fit the DOC system because it blended local variety Sangiovese with international varieties. I sort of got there because this is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it's Tuscan - and it's super. However it does fit into the Maremma Toscana DOC appellation. Read more about wine appellations.
Rocca di Frassinello is a collaboration between the iconic Tuscan winery Castellare di Castellina and French wine brand Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite "to bring together the experience of Castellare in the cultivation and vinification of Tuscany’s main vine variety, the famous Sangioveto, with Lafite’s long standing know-how of classical French vines." And it makes for a fabulous blend. This wine is almost irresistible. It's a rich, intense, spicy red with sweet cherry and plum flavours and savoury notes of leather and spice. It is very drinkable with food or on its own.
Food Pairing
Recommended to drink with lamb, game, duck, goose, steak and other red meats, and tomato-based dishes - think Italian! The producer suggests with "full-flavoured pasta and rice dishes, and game such as deer, wild boar, hare. Also recommended with birds such as wild duck." Many Italian wines are best consumed with food because of the body and tannins but this can be consumed on its own.
Producer's Notes
"A wine of great substance, in which Sangioveto [Sangiovese] and the international grape varieties of Cabernet and Merlot fuse for an ideal Italian-French creation. ... Deep ruby colour, with a broad bouquet of red fruits. It has great substance in the mouth, with soft and round tannins and a long and enveloping finish."
Awards
93 points (Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style) Wine Spectator
91 points JamesSuckling.com
"A juicy red with cherries, chocolate and some orange character"
