Le Sughere Maremma Toscana DOC/b 2022 - Rocca di Frassinello

The owner of the top Chianti estate Castellare, Dr. Paolo Panerai, and Baron Eric de Rothschild, who is responsible for the domains Barons de Rothschild (including Châteaux Lafite and L'Evangile), planted the first vines of their joint winery in Maremma in 2000. In addition to their resources, the men have in particular amassed a huge pool of know-how. This is reflected in the fact that - unlike other famous wine entrepreneurs who have recently moved to Bolgheri and the flat areas of Maremma - they bought vines on hills and slopes instead of on the warm and rather humid plain. Here, the vine benefits not only from better thermal conditions, but also from drier soil: two huge advantages when quality is the goal. The Sughere di Frassinello is named after the magnificent cork oaks that characterize the forests around the winery. Sangiovese (50%) and a quarter of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot make up the cuvée. It shows both Italian and French qualities: a robust density, dark, full-bodied wild berry aromas, but also the vegetable freshness and refinement of the classic Bordeaux varieties. After pressing, the wine ages in French barriques for one year to refine and round off. Although accessible to young people, it has considerable aging potential.