Type: Rosso Country: Italia Region: Toscana Denomination: Maremma Toscana DOC Grapes: Merlot 100% Aging: 14 months in barriques for the first passage, and then at least 12 months in the bottle Alcohol content: 13.5% Service temperature: 16/18 °C Pairing: Inland main courses This is a pure Merlot. The Baffonero is an admirable example of how this international grape knows how to express itself in Tuscany. This impenetrable ruby ​​red lacks neither muscle nor character, with concentrated and intense aromas of blueberry, blackberry and a range of spices, including black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. The mouth aromas are consistent but – insofar as that is even possible – even more explosive than the nose, with a virile tannic concentration and imposing structure. This is certainly not a wine for the faint of heart, and is appreciated for its power and longevity. And of course one would expect nothing less from Rocca di Frassinello, a winery born of an alliance between two giants in the world of winemaking, Castellare di Castellina and Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite. Even the name, Baffonero, expresses virility and refers to the homonymous vineyard raised at the foot of the cellar, designed by Renzo Piano. The wine ferments in steel to then mature for 14 months in small French oak barrels, followed by 12 months in the bottle.