Bought in 1999, this estate in Central Maremma is the result of a partnership between Paolo Panerai, owner of Castellare di Castellina in Chianti Classico, and Baron Eric de Rothschild of the world famous Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite. Rocca di Frassinello is a great international project, with an estimated investment of 20 million Euros. Maremma has a long established winegrowing tradition, especially in the North (Bolgheri and environs) and the South (Morellino di Scansano). Panerai’s choice instead was to aim right in between were soils had been found to have many of the same geological characteristics of the soils in Chianti and Montalcino, but with an average temperature which is 5 to 6 degrees higher and where grapes ripen 3 to 4 weeks before those of Chianti and Montalcino.

The agreement between Castellare and Domaines Baron de Rothschild was to blend Castellare’s experience in the growing and vinification of the prince of Tuscan grape, Sangiovese, and Lafite’s experience with the classic French varietals, Cabernet (Franc and Sauvignon), Merlot, Petit Verdot, etc. The result is a selection of 3 wines, all produced under the experienced supervision of Alessandro Cellai, winemaker of Castellare, and Christian Le Sommer, enologist for many of the Baron de Rothschild estates worldwide. All 3 wines are labeled Maremma Toscana IGT.