Viniou Reviews
Le Sughere di Frassinello 2021 from Rocca di Frassinello is a striking red blend from the heart of Tuscany’s Maremma DOC. This cuvée typically combines Sangioveto (the local Sangiovese clone) with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine that captures both Tuscan typicity and Bordeaux elegance. The 2021 vintage benefitted from a warm, balanced season, yielding grapes of excellent ripeness and structure. Vinification involves traditional fermentation methods followed by maturation in French oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of spice and polish to the wine’s naturally expressive fruit.
The Maremma region is located along the Tuscan coast, an area that has seen a renaissance over recent decades as its unique coastal terroir—characterised by well-draining soils of sand, clay, and limestone—proves exceptionally well-suited to both indigenous and international grape varieties. Maremma’s Mediterranean climate, with its ample sunshine and cooling sea breezes, ensures vibrant, ripe fruit with balanced acidity and fine tannins. The area’s winemaking history stretches back to the Etruscans, but over the past decades, it has become renowned for innovative blends and expressive, modern wines.
With its generous aromas of dark berries, cherry, and underlying savoury notes, Le Sughere di Frassinello pairs beautifully with regional Tuscan dishes such as wild boar ragù, bistecca alla fiorentina, or just-grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary and garlic. The wine’s structure and freshness also make it a match for aged Pecorino cheese, roasted vegetables, or even a classic ribollita soup, enhanced by hearty bread.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C, allowing it to breathe for an hour if possible. This will allow the bouquet to develop fully, revealing both the fruit-driven and spicy nuances. While it can be appreciated now, a few years of cellaring will see the tannins soften and the complexity increase.
