Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero by Rocca di Frassinello

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black cherry, graphite, violet, cedar

Palate: dark plum, iron, polished oak, espresso

Rocca di Frassinello's flagship pure Merlot Maremma Toscana DOC, named for the estate's mascot wild boar.

What it pairs with

Rib of beef, dry-aged Find rib of beef, dry-aged on TableJourney →
Merlot weight handles dry-aged beef.
Truffle pasta
Iron-graphite meets truffle.
Aged Parmigiano Reggiano
Sweet umami amplifies the wine's depth.

How to serve Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
Pair with. Rib of beef, dry-aged, Truffle pasta, Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Baffonero, named for the estate's wild-boar mascot, is Rocca di Frassinello's flagship pure Merlot, first released 2007.

2007 — First Baffonero vintage

Facts

Producer: Rocca di Frassinello
Grapes: Merlot (100%)
Classification: Maremma Toscana DOC
Oak: 18 months in French oak barriques
ABV: 14.5%
Price: EUR 80 to 130 at retail
Drinking window: 8 to 20 from vintage
First vintage: 2007

Scores

Wine Advocate 96 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Vinous 94 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2021)

Frequently asked about Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero

What does Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero taste like?

On the nose, black cherry, graphite, violet, cedar. On the palate, dark plum, iron, polished oak, espresso. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Rocca di Frassinello's flagship pure Merlot Maremma Toscana DOC, named for the estate's mascot wild boar.

When should I drink Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero?

Drink 8 to 20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero?

Rib of beef, dry-aged is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Truffle pasta and Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Merlot weight handles dry-aged beef.

What grapes are in Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero?

The blend is Merlot (100%). The wine is classified as Maremma Toscana DOC.

Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero