With the breath of spring in the air, I went to the winery Castello Banfi in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy.
Montalcino is the birthplace of one of Italy's greatest wines, Brunello di Montalcino. I took a day trip from Florence to the winery to taste Brunello di Montalcino.
Castello Banfi's contribution
Banfi is a winery founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani.
Although Brunello di Montalcino is now world-renowned, its history is short; it was promoted to DOC in 1967 and DOCG in 1980. The famous Biondi Santi first made Brunello in 1888, but for nearly 80 years, until DOC, no other producer appeared to make Brunello. It was just a place where a certain Biondi Santi was making wine.
Banfi has dramatically changed this situation. Banfi's 1979 vintage Brunello received a score of 90 from Wine Spectator magazine, gaining high acclaim around the world. Coupled with the global sales network of Banfi, an American company, Brunello has established a global position. The number of Brunello producers in Montalcino increased rapidly, and in the 1990s there was a Brunello boom.
Castello Banfi vineyards
Banfi, which contributed greatly to Montalcino's wealth and fame, is located at the southernmost tip of Montalcino. It is approximately 130 kilometers south of Florence. The vast property of 2,830 hectares is made up of a series of small hills and offers beautiful scenery. The vineyard accounts for approximately one-third of the owned area. The remaining two-thirds is devoted to grain, olive groves, prune groves, and forests.
Vineyards spread out to the left and right of the row of cypress trees. Beautiful scenery! ↓
Castello visible in the depths of the vineyard ↓
The "castello" (castle) itself was developed between the 9th and 13th centuries, and its history dates back to ancient Etruria. Remains of Etruscan dwellings and later Roman stones have also been discovered.
Castello was once home to many aristocrats, but it fell into disrepair during World War II, and was revived by the Mariani family.
Today, Castello is a hospitality hub, home to an enoteca (wine bar and wine shop), a 1 Michelin star restaurant, and a Relais & Châteaux member hotel.
Inside Enoteca↓
I went to Banfi on May 23rd. The grapes were in a state where small buds were emerging. Usually around this time, the leaves are growing more and the buds are getting bigger, but this year, growth seems to have slowed considerably.
This is because this year, the weather suddenly became warm at the end of March, then the cold returned, and the temperature remained low throughout April. Even in late May, the lowest temperature is around 10 degrees and the highest temperature is around 24 degrees. On this day, the wind was cool and I was wearing a spring coat.
Banfi vineyard ↓
Banfi grape buds↓
Drink Brunello di Montalcino
This year, due to coronavirus infection control measures, restaurants were not allowed to open from the beginning of the year, but they were finally allowed to open, and Banfi's Enoteca reopened in mid-May. However, indoor dining is still prohibited, so service is only available outside.
Usually, at Banfi, there is a tasting set where you can sample multiple wines in small portions, but this has not been lifted yet, and you can now drink a glass of wine at the outside terrace seat.
The first thing I drank was Brunello di Montalcino 2016, which was released this year. Standard Cuvée.
The aroma of mixed berries is elegant, with hints of licorice and tobacco adding complexity. An elegant taste with a very good balance of silky tannins and clean acidity.
Brunello di Montalcino's standard cuvée is aged for two years, 80% in 60-90HL French oak barrels and 20% in 350L French barriques.
Brunello di Montalcino's standard cuvée on the terrace ↓
Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 750ml, red
The next drink I had was Banfi's new arrival, the 2016 "Vigna Marluceto" Brunello di Montalcino. This is the first single-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino released this year. The "Poggio alle Mura" Brunello di Montalcino, which can be said to be the face of Banfi, is also a single-vineyard wine, and the Vigna Marrcetto vineyard is located next to the Poggio alle Mura vineyard. Viña Marqueto is made with Guillot tailoring, which is rare in Montalcino. This is because years of analysis and research have revealed that the soil in Viña Marqueto is suitable for Guyot.
This is the third bottle of Vigna Marluceto Brunello di Montalcino that he has opened at Enoteca, and it has a more concentrated and fuller flavor than the standard cuvée. Tannins are velvety and smooth. It was a majestic wine that felt the warm sun of southern Montalcino.
Aged for 30 months in 60-90HL French oak barrels.
“Vigna Marluceto” Brunello di Montalcino 2016↓
The last drink I had was ``Excelsus'' in 2015.
Excelsus is a so-called Super Tuscan, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Montalcino is the ``Land of Brunello'' of the Sangiovese variety, so there are only a few Super Tuscans made from international varieties, but as expected, Banfi is. We also produce high quality Bordeaux style wines.
Excelsus has many fans. An elegant taste with aromas of fruit confit, spices, and coffee beans.
Aging takes approximately 24 months in 350L French barriques.
Although it is an international variety, it has a taste that allows you to feel the Montalcino terroir. A wine with a modern style and a sweet charm.
Super Tuscan Excelsus↓
Banfi Excelsus Tuscany 750ml/Red
Banfi innovation and sustainability
Although I was not able to go to the cellar on this day, Banfi's cellar is equipped with cutting-edge technology that drives Montalcino. What is unique is the fermentation tank, which was completed in 2007 and is a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels. A stainless steel temperature control system allows the fermentation temperature to be adjusted, and the wine breathes through the oak barrels, enriching its color and aromas. This is an innovative tank that takes advantage of the advantages of both stainless steel and barrels.
Banfi is constantly researching and taking on innovative challenges. You may have the image of a large company and a factory. However, it can be said that Banfi is the one implementing sustainable initiatives on a large scale.
The 17 goals set out in the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015 have been broken down and incorporated into all of Banfi's activities in order to achieve the goals. do my best. We also report on our progress every year.
summary
Scenic hills and vast vineyards, a historic castle, an impressive cellar, warm hospitality, a clear commitment to sustainability, and a taste of wine that reflects the terroir: Banfi is the perfect combination of all of these. wine. It was such a wine that you could experience once again the preciousness of Montalcino.
