Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Riserva 2018

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio alle Mura 2018 is a refined, single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese from the heart of Tuscany. Crafted only in the best vintages, this Riserva delivers depth, structure and elegance, capturing the character of the historic Poggio alle Mura hill surrounding the castle estate. It stands out as a collector-worthy Brunello that balances power with precision, offering both immediate pleasure and outstanding cellaring potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Poggio alle Mura Riserva shows a deep, vibrant ruby hue with garnet highlights at the rim, hinting at its youth and future evolution. The nose is layered and expressive, revealing dark cherry, plum and wild berry wrapped in notes of dried rose, tobacco leaf, leather and a touch of balsamic. Subtle hints of sweet spice, cedar, licorice and forest floor develop with air, adding real complexity. On the palate, this Brunello is full-bodied yet finely chiseled, with ripe, polished tannins and a lively acidity that keeps the wine focused and fresh. Flavors of black cherry, morello cherry and blackberry are supported by savory nuances of herbs, cocoa, tobacco and a mineral edge typical of the estate’s vineyards. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering spice and a gentle grip that promises a long life ahead. Enjoyable now with proper aeration, it will continue to gain nuance and harmony over 10–20 years in the cellar, depending on your preferences for mature tertiary notes.

Production
Poggio alle Mura is one of Castello Banfi’s flagship vineyards, set on well-drained hillside slopes around the medieval castle in southern Montalcino. The terroir combines mixed soils of limestone, clay and sandstone with excellent exposure, yielding concentrated but finely scented Sangiovese. Grapes are harvested by hand, with rigorous selection in the vineyard and again in the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters make the cut for this Riserva. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and/or Banfi’s proprietary hybrid fermenters, designed to optimize gentle extraction and preserve aromatics. The wine is then aged for an extended period in a mix of French oak barriques and larger traditional casks, followed by additional bottle aging, in line with Brunello di Montalcino Riserva regulations, to achieve the hallmark balance of structure, complexity and elegance.

Food & Serving
This Riserva is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised beef, lamb shanks, wild boar ragù or aged pecorino Toscano. It also shines with truffle dishes, game birds and mushroom-based pastas and risotti. Serve at around 18 °C (64–65 °F) in large Burgundy or Bordeaux stems to allow the aromatics to unfold. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to soften the tannins and unlock the full aromatic spectrum; older bottles may need a shorter, gentler decant just to separate any sediment.

Producer
Castello Banfi is one of the most recognized and pioneering estates in Montalcino, founded in the late 1970s by the Mariani family with a vision to elevate Brunello on the world stage. Centered around a beautifully restored medieval castle, the estate spearheaded extensive clonal research on Sangiovese, helping define the modern identity and quality standards of Brunello di Montalcino. Banfi’s vineyards at Poggio alle Mura hold special significance as a cru site that showcases the finest selections of Sangiovese from the estate. Today, Banfi is celebrated for its commitment to research, sustainable viticulture and consistently high-quality wines, playing a key role in establishing Montalcino as one of Italy’s great terroirs.

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