2013 Rocca di Frassinello Rocca di Frassinello Marema Toscana DOC 750 ml

Rothschild Brings the Best of the Médoc to the Maremma

Decades ago, Super Tuscan wines took the world by storm, offering the best of both Italy and France: intriguing Sangiovese-based wines, rounded out by Cabernet Sauvignon that drank with more ease out the gate than Brunello, and buzzed with Tuscan verve.

One particular collaboration — between Eric de Rothschild and Castellare’s Paolo Panerai — is perhaps one of the most exciting partnerships to come out of the Super Tuscan movement. Each partner committed massive resources to their Maremma project and the result was a new winery, designed by world-famous architect Renzo Piano, which opened in 2007.

Piano’s winery is a work of art, but in the end, it is all about the wine. Ever since the first vintage in 2004, Rocca di Frassinello has married Bordeaux and Tuscany through expertise: Castellare winemaker Alessandro Cellai and Les Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite winemaker Christian Le Sommer apply their knowledge to the grapes of Rocca di Frassinello — a blend of Italian and French varietals from a piece of land hand-picked for its similarity to Chianti and Montalcino, but gifted with opulence-inducing warmth.

The same combination that has yielded multiple Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards has resulted in a 2013 wine that, once again, is one of the most finely-sculpted Super Tuscans available under $40. A blend of 60% Sangioveto, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot, the 2013 Rocca di Frassinello “Rocca di Frassinello” is dark ruby with a touch of purple. Red berries and dried fruit mingle with espresso, leather, dark spices and toasted oak on the nose. Full-bodied and ripe, the wine deserves several hours in a decanter before serving now, or will cellar well for 8-10 years.

WineAccess faithful know Rocca di Frassinello well, and have snapped up past vintages in short order. At this price, this one is sure to go quickly. Released at $54, just $37.99 today. Shipping included on 4.