Castello Banfi: the Mariani brothers and Brunello di Montalcino
Castello Banfi is one of the first names that comes up whenever the conversation turns to Brunello. The estate was founded in 1978 by the Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani, whose family had long worked with Italian wine in the United States. Rather than buy a finished property, they built something new in Montalcino, working with the oenologist Ezio Rivella. The name honours Teodolinda Banfi, a relative of the Mariani family.
At the heart of the estate stands the castle of Poggio alle Mura, first recorded in 1318 and part of Banfi since 1983. The family restored it, and the winery was inaugurated the following year.
The Sangiovese research behind Banfi Brunello di Montalcino
What sets Banfi apart from many of its neighbours is the long work in the vineyard. Zoning began in 1980, mapping which sites suited which grapes, and in 1982 a clonal selection of Sangiovese got under way to find the clones best suited to this soil and climate. Since 2007 the wines have fermented in Horizon, a cellar whose vats combine French oak and stainless steel.
The foundation is Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, a classic with cherry, dried herbs and firm tannin. Poggio alle Mura comes from the vineyards around the castle and is bottled both as Brunello and as Riserva. Vigna Marrucheto is a single-vineyard wine built directly on the clonal research. At the top sits Poggio all'Oro Riserva, made only in great vintages and in need of time in the cellar to show everything it has.
Rosso di Montalcino, Excelsus and Belnero from Tuscany
If you want the Banfi style in the glass sooner, Rosso di Montalcino is the way in, with softer tannin and juicy fruit while still young. Outside the DOCG rules Banfi also makes wines under the Toscana IGT. Excelsus is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Belnero is a dark, generous red that is happy next to anything off the grill.
The range reaches beyond Montalcino. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Fonte alla Selva comes from Castellina in Chianti, and La Pettegola is made both as a fresh Vermentino and as a rosé. To finish a meal there is Florus, a late-harvest, sweet and aromatic Moscadello di Montalcino in a half bottle. Together they make Banfi a handy shortcut into Tuscany and, more broadly, into the red wines of Italy.
Banfi Piemonte: Alta Langa, Gavi and Rosa Regale
As early as 1979 the Mariani brothers took over the old Bruzzone cellar in Piedmont, between Novi Ligure and Acqui Terme. This is where the house sparkling wines are made. Banfi Spumante Metodo Classico Brut goes through its second fermentation in the bottle, and Alta Langa Cuvée Aurora Extra Brut is the drier, more structured step up. Gavi Principessa Gavia is a crisp white from Cortese, and Rosa Regale is a sweet, gently sparkling Brachetto d'Acqui that loves berries and chocolate desserts.
Castello Banfi FAQ
What is Castello Banfi best known for?
Brunello di Montalcino, and above all Poggio alle Mura and Poggio all'Oro. The estate's research into Sangiovese clones has also made the name well known among winemakers.
What is the difference between Poggio alle Mura and Poggio all'Oro?
Poggio alle Mura is the vineyard land around the castle itself, bottled as both Brunello and Riserva. Poggio all'Oro is a Riserva released only in the best vintages and is the house's most age-worthy wine.
Should I drink Banfi Brunello now or cellar it?
Rosso di Montalcino is lovely young. A Brunello grows softer and more complex after a few years in the cellar, and a Riserva such as Poggio all'Oro can take a good deal longer. Decant a young Brunello an hour before serving.
What food goes with Banfi Brunello di Montalcino?
Rich, savoury dishes: grilled ribeye, slow-braised beef, wild boar, mushroom risotto or aged pecorino. The acidity and tannin handle fat and game with ease.
Is Banfi wine only red?
No. Besides the Tuscan reds there is Vermentino and rosé from La Pettegola, Gavi from Piedmont, the sweet Florus and Rosa Regale, and the sparkling Metodo Classico and Alta Langa.