Banfi Excelsus 2020

Banfi Excelsus 2020 is a polished Super Tuscan that marries the power of Cabernet Sauvignon with the plush elegance of Merlot, all shaped by the unique terroir of Montalcino. The 2020 vintage benefited from a mild winter and a summer marked by excellent day-night temperature swings, delivering grapes of outstanding ripeness and balance. This is a modern, cellar-worthy red that showcases Tuscany’s international face while staying rooted in its historic landscape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Banfi Excelsus 2020 shows a deep, intense ruby color with violet highlights, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose opens generously with ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plum compote, unfolding into more complex notes of dark berry jam, sweet spices, tobacco leaf, and roasted coffee bean. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and layered, with a rich core of dark fruit wrapped in polished, sweet-edged tannins. The texture is smooth and velvety, yet supported by a lively acidity that keeps the wine poised and energetic. Flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry are joined by hints of cocoa, vanilla, and subtle savory spice, leading into a long, persistent finish. Thanks to the structure and concentration, Excelsus 2020 has excellent aging potential; it will reward 8–15 years in the cellar, gaining further complexity in its tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and dried flowers.

Production
Excelsus is crafted from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Banfi’s meticulously tended estate vineyards in the Montalcino area of Tuscany, where well-drained soils and notable diurnal temperature swings favor slow, even ripening. Grapes are carefully selected in the vineyard, often harvested parcel by parcel at optimal maturity to capture both aromatic intensity and structural finesse. After fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve fruit purity and extract fine tannins, the wine is matured in oak (typically French barrique) to enhance complexity, integrate the varieties, and add subtle notes of spice, tobacco, and coffee that harmonize with the naturally rich fruit profile.

Food & Serving
Banfi Excelsus 2020 is an excellent match for rich, flavorful dishes such as grilled or roasted red meats, bistecca alla fiorentina, braised lamb, game, and hearty stews. It also shines alongside mature, hard cheeses like aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and well-aged cow’s milk cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and velvety texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open fully and reveal its layered bouquet.

Producer
Castello Banfi is one of Tuscany’s most renowned and influential estates, founded in the late 1970s by the Mariani family and quickly established as a benchmark for quality in Montalcino. Pioneering a meticulous, research-driven approach to viticulture and winemaking, Banfi played a key role in elevating the global reputation of Brunello di Montalcino and of Tuscan wines more broadly. Today, the estate is recognized for its extensive vineyard holdings, its commitment to terroir expression, and its portfolio of premium wines that range from classic appellations to innovative Super Tuscans like Excelsus. Over the years, Banfi has garnered numerous international accolades and remains a reference point for modern, high-quality Tuscan winemaking.

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