SASSABRUNA Rosso Maremma Toscano DOC 2020

"Sassabruna" Rosso Maremma Toscano DOC 2020 / Rocca di Montemassi / Tuscany

Red wine from Italy

On the slopes of Montemassi, in the heart of the Maremma, great wines are born that tell of a Tuscany where emotions have the fire of the earth and the purity of the sea. From the Vermentino to the great reds, Rocca di Montemassi represents a new milestone for Tuscan wine, proving the excellence of a territory still intact and wild, full of stories, legends and authentic flavours. Right here, in southern Tuscany, not far from the city of Grosseto, between the Colline Metallifere (metalliferous hills) and the Tyrrhenian Sea, a 100% Tuscan and 100% sustainable winery is born that brings together the different souls of the Maremma.

The "Sassabruna" Rosso Maremma Toscano DOC is a complex red wine made from a perfect blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah grapes. The main ingredient Sangiovese is a red grape variety. It is one of the most important and common grape varieties in Italy and the main component of the famous Chianti. The grape variety was already cultivated by the Etruscans 2500 years ago. In the 20th century, the best clones were selected from the local forms that had developed over a long period of time and propagated systematically. A varietal Sangiovese wine is usually characterized by a strong colour and pronounced structure of acidity and strong tannins. Syrah is a low yielding but high-quality red grape variety that probably originally came from the Middle East and became famous through its widespread cultivation in France. With normal mash fermentation, the vine produces a dark-coloured wine with a high tannin content, which requires long bottle aging to reduce astringency. The Merlot probably comes from France. It is an early maturing variety that produces fruity, full-bodied, and full-bodied wines.

The vineyards where the grapes for Sassabruna grow, as the name of the wine suggests, are rooted in soil composed mainly of rocks with a good percentage of clay and limestone. The plants raised in the spur cordon are harvested when the fruits are perfectly ripe. After destemming and soft pressing of the grapes, the must obtained ferments for twenty days at a controlled temperature of 28°C in vertical vats. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 350-liter French oak barrels and, after bottling, is refined in its bottle for an additional four months to create an enveloping grape juice designed to seduce the palate.

With its intense and impenetrable ruby red colour, the "Sassabruna" Rosso Maremma Toscano DOC from Rocca di Montemassi exudes a generous and complex bouquet with evident notes of ripe red fruits and wild berries. This is surrounded by balsamic tones of juniper, eucalyptus, and laurel. On the palate, this red wine is dry, full-bodied, and complex. It strikes a remarkable balance between softness and sapidity, with promising tannins also appearing briefly. The finish is warm and persistent.

The Sassabruna reveals its full splendour at an optimal serving temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, perfectly complementing traditional Tuscan dishes such as Pappardelle with wild boar sauce and Bistecca alla fiorentina. A pasta dish with a rich, savoury sauce like Bolognese or wild boar ragout would enhance the wine's flavours and provide an excellent pairing. A hearty, braised dish like roast beef or lamb shank would complement the wine's complexity and mature fruit notes. Braised or grilled game dishes such as venison roast or wild boar ragout would emphasize the complex aromas of the red wine and support its robust structure. Grilled vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini would complement the fruity notes of the cuvée wine and highlight its complexity. A robust hard cheese like Pecorino or Parmesan pairs well with the spicy undertones and full-bodied character of the Sassabruna Rosso Maremma Toscano DOC from Tenuta Rocca di Montemassi. In general, this wine from southern Tuscany is an excellent choice to accompany hearty dishes.

General properties

• Vintage: 2020
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany (Toscana)
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Tenuta Rocca di Montemassi - S.P. 91 Pian del Bichi - Roccastrada 58027 (GR) - Italia - +39 0564 579700
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grapes: 60% Sangiovese, 30% Syrah and10% Merlot.
• Planting density: 4.400 sticks per hectare.
• Grape yield: 7,5 tons per hectare.
• Winemaking: The must obtained from grapes harvested when fully ripe is vinified in vertical fermenting devices for about 20 days at a temperature of 28° C., followed by malolactic fermentation. Afterward, the wine ages in 350-liter (92 gallons) French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by further fining of four months in the bottle.
• Sensory characteristics: Rich and complex bouquet with up-front notes of ripe red fruit and wild berries accompanied by scents of spices and licorice. Full-bodied, dry and encompassing flavor, with a persistent and slightly spicy finish.
• Colour: Highly intense ruby red.
• Alcohol content: 14% Vol.
• Stopper: Natural cork
• Serving suggestion: Pairs perfectly with pasta dishes featuring spicy sauces, braised meat, game dishes, and grilled vegetables. Exceptional with a robust hard cheese.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
• Allergen: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 8002235022453
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

SANGIOVESE

The Sangiovese grape ranks among the most significant varietals in Tuscany. Originally cultivated during the Middle Ages, the name "Sangiovese" is often traced back to "Sanguis Jovis," indicating the Roman reference to "the blood of Jupiter." When grown in the Maremma, a coastal region in southern Tuscany, the Sangiovese grape flourishes under unique conditions that distinctly shape its character and aromas. The Maremma boasts a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by cooling influences from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its mineral-rich, chalky soils bestow complexity and finesse upon the wines. The plant is characterized by medium-sized, rounded, dark green leaves. The berries, medium-sized and oval-shaped, are deep blue with thick skins, contributing to a higher tannin structure in the wines. Sangiovese's growth habits are moderate, tending towards bushy development, necessitating ventilation to prevent fungal diseases. Additionally, meticulous vineyard care is crucial to ensuring optimal sun exposure. The Maremma is a diverse region, a quality reflected in its Sangiovese wines. Depending on microclimates, altitude, and soil composition, the wines can exhibit varying styles, ranging from fruity and approachable to concentrated and powerful.

SYRAH

The Syrah grape variety, also known as Shiraz, originates from the picturesque Rhône Valley in southeastern France, finding its perfect habitat in the enchanting Maremma. The Maremma is characterized by its Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, along with its diverse soils ranging from clay to limestone to sand. The introduction of the Syrah vine into the Maremma signifies a significant stride in the broader movement towards diversification and enhancement of wine quality in this region. In the latter decades of the 20th century, Maremma winemakers began cultivating international grape varieties alongside traditional Tuscan varieties such as Sangiovese and Vermentino, aiming to fully exploit the region's potential. The leaves of the Syrah plant are typically large and dark green, with an elongated shape tapering to a point. Their edges may be slightly serrated, while the medium-sized clusters exhibit a conical form, densely packed with relatively small berries that assume a deep, dark hue when ripe. Syrah wines produced in the Maremma often boast remarkable richness and concentration. The sunny days and cool nights facilitate a gradual ripening of the grapes, leading to an excellent balance of sugar and acidity. In this idyllic environment, Syrah grapes frequently develop intense aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrants, blackberries, and plums, accompanied by subtle notes of black olives, pepper, and herbs.

MERLOT

The Merlot vine, a red grape variety of distinguished lineage, originates from the sun-drenched lands of the Bordeaux region in the heart of France. Since the 18th century, it has been nurtured there, swiftly becoming the principal grape for the famous wines of the region. However, the Merlot vine refused to be confined within the borders of France. Over time, it found its way to Italy, to the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where it found a new home and thrived in the mild Mediterranean climate and varying soil compositions. The leaves of the Merlot vine present themselves in grandeur, with a round, heart-shaped contour adorned by a glossy surface. Typically, five-lobed, the lobes sometimes bear sharp teeth. Their colouring varies, depending on ripeness and surroundings, in various shades of green, painted by nature itself. The grapes produced by the Merlot vine are of medium stature, characterized by a cylindrical shape. They are loosely to moderately packed with berries that themselves carry a medium-sized, round to slightly oval shape. A coat of thick, blue or violet skin envelops them. The Merlot vine is renowned for its early ripening, making it a coveted treasure in regions with short growing seasons. Its moderate to good vigour allows it to adapt and thrive in a variety of soil and climatic conditions. The wines originating from the fruits of the Merlot vine in the Maremma have conquered the world stage, earning international recognition. Their quality and unique flavour profiles have helped establish Maremma as a renowned wine region in Italy. Yet, the experimentation does not end here. In addition to pure Merlot wines, some winemakers also venture into Merlot blends, where Merlot grapes are married with other noble varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Sangiovese. These bold experiments contribute to the diversity and dynamism of winemaking in the Maremma, enriching the wine world with fascinating nuances and aromas.

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