The French-Italian joint project for the Rocca di Frassinello luxury winery began as an idea to emulate the model of excellence set forth by the Castellare di Castellina winery.
This plan was established in Maremma in front of the village of Giuncarico, an area perfect for growing and harvesting grapes. Castellare and Domaines Barons de Rothschild made it a goal to create the experience of Castellare in cultivation and vinification of Sangioveto, Tuscany’s main wine variety.
Historical Introduction
Renzo Piano, one of the most well-renowned architects in the world, designed the winery to excel in both design and functionality. Piano’s idea was to use the force of gravity for the vinification process in order to have the highest quality vines for their wine.
Five farms were brought together within the span of two years to create the 500-hectare space that the Rocca di Frassinello inhabits.
The 90 hectares of vineyards that have been planted so far are made up of a perfect ratio of 50% French and 50% Italian varieties. The first vintage wine they made in 2004 produced approximately 130,000 official bottles. Rocca di Frassinello opposed Masseto, another famous Italian wine, in the spirit of America’s Cup.
In America’s Cup, the purpose is for the Challenger, who is chosen on the basis of their courage, to win against the Defender. By doing so, Rocca di Frassinello upheld its reputation as a renowned winery.
About the Winery
The Rocca di Frassinello is located on the right hillside heading north which forms on either side of the old Aurelia road. This location has the perfect mild climate due to the constant breezes that flow through the area, which draws the moisture from the air.
With 90 hectares planted already, it is still a continuing project for the plantation of more vineyards.
Design and Functionality
Renzo Piano designed the perfect type of cellar for the Rocca di Frassinello winery. He built it specifically for the purposes of exemplifying its functionality and remains as a factory.
Functionality is valued over design in this case, as this winery strives to make the highest quality wine from their vineyards.
Piano has completely revamped the concept of how wineries are built. He built the barriquerie at the center underground for the purpose of sustaining a perfect level of humidity and temperature throughout the area.
A 40 by 40 square meter area takes up this space and includes a roof that stands up firm without the need of supporting columns. This area is where the functionality of the production cycle occurs.
Production Cycle
Every part of the winery serves its own functional purpose and is meant to provide an excellent harvest for their wine. Steel tanks have been built and set up on two different sides of the area with chutes above both tanks.
The chutes open up and connected to the roof above the area and are responsible for carrying the grapes carried in by crates to the level below. The grapes are evenly divided and carried through the next step of the production cycle.
On both sides of the area, the bottling, storage, warehouse, and logistics part of the production cycle are carried out accurately within a reasonable span of time.
Renzo Piano designed each part carefully for their intended purposes for the best functional quality. The design and the functional purposes of the winery contribute to its overall level of productivity.
Tourism
When you plan a tour with us to visit Rocca di Frassinello, there will be many exciting features for you to take advantage of.
You can visit the vineyards, participate in wine tasting at the winery, and learn about the architecture behind the winery. You can even buy wine on the property and find souvenirs at the gift shop.
In the spring and summer, the winery is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then again from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. In the fall and winter, the winery is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, and then again from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
During any of these available times, you will be able to have a fun learning experience with highly experienced tour guides leading the way. At the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy top quality wine tasting
Conclusion
At the Rocca di Frassinello, you will be able to learn about some of the most ancient winemaking traditions of Maremma. This is just one of the many amazing experiences you will be able to witness during your seven day La Grandiosa Toscana tour.
An experience such as this will definitely be worth your time and money, and you will have top quality tour guides pampering you with the best service.