| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Main grapes | |
| Other grapes | |
| Vintage | |
| Bottle sizes |
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is a benchmark of Tuscan winemaking, representing the pinnacle of the Sangiovese grape. Produced by one of the most historically significant estates in Montalcino, this distinguished Italian red wine masterfully balances tradition with pioneering viticultural research. For enthusiasts of premium Italian wine, Banfi’s Brunello delivers an exceptional combination of elegance, complexity, and remarkable ageing potential.
Situated in the southern reaches of Tuscany, the Castello Banfi estate is renowned for its diverse soils and ideal microclimates. The grapes for this Brunello are meticulously selected from the estate’s finest hillside vineyards, characterised by a mix of calcareous clay and alberese (limestone). This unique terroir allows the 100% Sangiovese Grosso (locally known as Brunello) clones, developed through decades of proprietary research by Banfi, to achieve perfect ripeness, yielding wines of profound depth and concentration.
Castello Banfi was founded in 1978 by two Italian-American brothers, John and Harry Mariani. The goal of the two brothers was to create a state-of-the-art winery combined with the most advanced science in the vineyards for the production of premium wines.
The Castello Banfi estate is located in Montalcino and is situated at the confluence of the Orcia and Ombrone rivers. The estate extends along the southern slopes of the township of Montalcino across 7,100 acres of land; one third of the property is under specialised vine and the balance is shared between olive groves, wheat fields, plum trees, truffle stands, forest and scrub.
Today Banfi have estates in Montalcino, Bolgheri, Chianti and Piedmont. In the last 40 years, they have been at the forefront of the revival of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, engaging in significant academic studies into the region’s geology, climate and different Sangiovese clones. They also now own the historic Bruzzone winery in Piedmont (founded in 1860).
Colour: A deep, brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections that become more pronounced with age.
Nose: An intense, ethereal bouquet. Initial aromas of ripe red cherry, dark plum, and blackberry give way to complex tertiary notes of sweet tobacco, liquorice, leather and a hint of vanilla spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and superbly structured. The palate mirrors the nose, supported by velvety, mouth-coating tannins and a vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of great Sangiovese.
Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, leaving a harmonious, earthy spice on the finish.
Serve it with grilled or braised red meats, such as a Florentine-style T-bone steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) or slow-cooked osso buco, to complement its bold tannins and fruit intensity. It also shines with wild mushroom risotto or truffle-infused pasta, enhancing the wine’s earthy undertones.
For the cheeseboard, try with aged Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
How long can you age Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino?
Thanks to its robust tannin structure and high acidity, Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is built for the cellar. While approachable upon release, exceptional vintages can easily be cellared for 15 to 25 years, developing deeper notes of leather, earth, and dried fruits over time.
Should I decant Brunello di Montalcino before drinking?
Yes, it is highly recommended to decant this wine. For younger vintages, decanting for 2 to 3 hours allows the wine to breathe, softening the tannins and opening up its complex aromatic profile. For much older, mature vintages, a shorter decant (30-60 minutes) is advisable simply to separate the wine from any natural sediment.
What is the difference between Brunello and Sangiovese?
Brunello is the local Montalcino name for a specific, high-quality clone of the Sangiovese grape (Sangiovese Grosso).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.