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Rocca di Frassinello Maremma Toscana Baffonero DOC 2017 750ml
Case of 3
OUT OF STOCKPre-arrival
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 924492
Out of stock
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The 2017 Baffonero is a wild, beautiful wine. Deep, dark and exquisitely layered, with striking inner perfume, the 2017 has been nothing short of fabulous in several recent tastings. It balances power, silkiness and depth with tons of stylishness. Succulent black cherry, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice build over time. The 2017 is easily the best Baffonero yet.
Italian Red Blends stand as a testament to the country’s rich winemaking diversity and heritage. Comprising a harmonious mix of indigenous and international grape varieties, these wines encapsulate the unique character of Italy’s diverse wine regions. Blends like Super Tuscans, combining Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, showcase a fusion of tradition and innovation. The Nebbiolo-based blends from Piedmont, such as Barbaresco and Barolo, exemplify elegance and longevity. Each region contributes distinct flavors, from the bold red fruits of the south to the structured tannins of the north.
The artistry lies in winemakers’ hands, skillfully crafting blends that balance acidity, tannins, and fruit expression. Italian Red Blends offer a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors, and textures, reflecting the country’s varied terroirs. Whether exploring a classic Chianti blend or a contemporary interpretation, these wines invite enthusiasts on a captivating journey through Italy’s winemaking mosaic.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Maremma
Maremma, a coastal gem in Tuscany, Italy, has emerged as a dynamic wine appellation, celebrated for its diverse and expressive wines. This region, once dominated by olive groves and farmland, now thrives as a viticultural haven. Maremma's unique terroir, characterized by a mix of coastal breezes and diverse soils, contributes to the creation of wines that balance freshness, richness, and a distinct maritime influence.
Renowned for both red and white varieties, Maremma produces bold Super Tuscans, often blending Sangiovese with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Vermentino whites showcase the region's versatility, offering crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes. What makes Maremma truly unique is its ability to combine tradition with innovation, creating wines that capture the essence of the Tuscan coast and the evolving landscape of Italian winemaking.
VM96pts
Vinous Media
The 2017 Baffonero is a wild, beautiful wine. Deep, dark and exquisitely layered, with striking inner perfume, the 2017 has been nothing short of fabulous in several recent tastings. It balances power, silkiness and depth with tons of stylishness. Succulent black cherry, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice build over time. The 2017 is easily the best Baffonero yet.
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
This is an ambitious and aspirational Merlot from the Tuscan Coast. The 2017 Maremma Toscana Baffonero does a good job of hiding the heat and drought of the vintage, and I can't imagine that achieving these balanced results was remotely easy. The early-ripening Merlot grape tends to show heavy and jammy results in 2017, but this wine escapes relatively unscathed. Dark fruit and black cherry cede to flashy notes of baking spice, cigar box and campfire ash. The finish is polished and the tannins are elegant.
JS94pts
James Suckling
Violets, rich black cherries and a melange of fresh herbs. Full-bodied with lots of crushed black fruit and fine, silky tannins that carry light licorice and polished vanilla aromas into a long finish. Classy and young. A little linear now, but delicious. This needs a year or two to settle and expand in every direction. 100% Merlot. Delicious wine. Best in 2022.
WS91pts
Wine Spectator
The new oak flavors of resin and smoke, along with dusty tannins, exert themselves in this red, whose black cherry and plum fruit is buried for now. This turns chunky and lightly astringent on the finish, with fine length and a spicy aftertaste. Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2032. 400 cases made, 100 cases imported.
Winery Notes
Color: Deep ruby red color.
Bouquet: Concentrated dark fruit notes, especially blackberry and blueberry, roses and licorice are among the aromas and flavors that emerge from this great red.
Flavor: Full bodied, rich with velvety tannins. Polish and supremely elegant personality. Lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit, spice and tobacco.
