TN : Rocca di Montemassi Vermentino 2006, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy, Tenuta Rocca di Montemassi

I found this in the Kista Gallerian Systembolaget but normally it is in beställningssortiment (number 83176).


This wine was produced by Zonin and imported by Bibendum.

This tasted like a muted flabby viognier. There was much more fuit on the taste than the nose. Yet despite these perceived faults, I rather enjoyed this wine. I would have rated it even higher if it had more fruit.

The vineyards are overlooked by an old fortified stronghold which probably dates back to the 10th century. This castle was initially owned by the Aldobrandeschis, and then by the noble Pannocchieschi family. It was then usurped by Cappuccini di Sticciano who, in 1328, rebelled against Siena with the help of Castruccio Castracani. The castle was, however, conquered by the more powerful Sienese troops after a siege that was immortalized in Simone Martini's famous painting, now in the Palazzo Pubblico di Siena. It depicts Guidoriccio da Fogliano on horseback, with the Casle of Montemassi and his troops' campsite - surrounded by vineyards. In 1632, Gran Duke Ferdinando II of Tuscany established the Marquisate of Montemassi and Roccatederighi and put it in the hands of the Malaspina di Mulazzo family, the title later passed to the Cambiaso di Genova and Bichi di Roccalbegna clans, and then to Marquis Bichi Rispoli until, in 1826, the Marquisate was finally dissolved.

The Estate is situated in the low foothills around Montemassi, which is part of the commune of Roccastrada in Maremma. The property stretches out over 430 hectares (1085 acres), of which 160 hectares (397 acres) are planted with vines in the D.O.C. zone of Monteregio. This area is particularly suited for the production of high quality wines that are characterized by intense aromas and flavors thanks to the siliceous and clayey soil, which is rich in precious minerals, and to the Mediterranean climate, with its constant sea breezes that help mitigate the hot summer temperatures and also keep the grapes healthy. Moreover, the scarce rainfall in spring and summer limits grape yields considerably, ensuring optimum ripening of the fruit.

The winery has been designed so as to be perfectly integrated in its environment and in the surrounding landscape. The architect Mirko Amatori decided to restore the original buildings of Rocca di Montemassi, maintaining their agricultural functions and conserving the Maremman countryside, as well as refurbishing the pre-existing architectural structures that lie amidst cluster-pines, olive trees and a small natural lake.

On the property is a museum of rural civilization. It is an interactive exhibit with over 3,000 objects on show, all of which date from the 19th century to the pre-War period (1940), prior to the large-scale industrialization of Italy. They bear witness to what it was like to work in the fields and describe the way of life, the various crafts and trades and the passing of the centuries in this area. The museum is open to the public between April to October, Tuesday through Sunday 10.00 am - 6.00 pm (closed on Monday), and between March to November, Monday through Friday 10.00 am - 6.00 am (Saturday and holidays on request).

The planting density of the vines is 5000 vines per hectare which is 2023 vines per hectare. The yield was 6000 kilos of grapes per hectare. The grapes were picked by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 18 to 22 degrees.

Colour : Pale yellow

Aroma : Stone fruits, bitter

Taste : Stone fruits, slight bitter minerally finish

Alcohol : 12.5%

Price : 74 SEK

Mark : B-

Website : Zonin
Website : Tentuta Rocca di Montemassi
Website : Bibendum