Castello Banfi helped bring Brunello di Montalcino to the world stage. Founded by the American Mariani family in the late 1970s, it is now the largest single estate in Montalcino, and its polished, quality-focused range is a reliable way into serious Tuscan Sangiovese.
A pioneering estate in southern Montalcino
The Mariani brothers, John and Harry, bought their first land in southern Montalcino in 1978 and named the estate after their great-aunt, Teodolinda Banfi. What followed changed the appellation. From 1982 the family ran a long clonal research project on Sangiovese with the University of Milan, identifying the clones best suited to this warm southern corner of Tuscany. That work helped modernise Brunello and gave Banfi a consistency few estates of its size can match, at the heart of Italy's most celebrated red appellation.
Brunello, Rosso and the Super Tuscans
The flagship is the Brunello di Montalcino, a pure Sangiovese with dark cherry, dried herb and firm, ageworthy tannin. In the strongest vintages Banfi releases Poggio all'Oro, a single-vineyard Riserva from a favoured south-facing knoll and built for the long haul. For earlier drinking there is Rosso di Montalcino, softer and ready young. The estate also makes two polished Super Tuscans: Summus, blending Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and Excelsus, a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Together they show why Banfi is a benchmark in premium Italian red wine.
Castello Banfi FAQ
What is Castello Banfi best known for?
Brunello di Montalcino, above all. Its 100% Sangiovese Brunello and the single-vineyard Poggio all'Oro Riserva are the wines that made its reputation.
What food pairs with Banfi Brunello?
Rich, savoury dishes: bistecca alla fiorentina, braised beef, wild boar ragù or aged pecorino. The acidity and tannin cut through fat and stand up to game.
Should I drink Banfi Brunello now or cellar it?
Rosso di Montalcino is lovely young. A good Brunello improves for ten to fifteen years, and Poggio all'Oro from a top vintage rewards even longer patience.