Aged for a total of up to four years, including a minimum of two years in oak barrels, Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of robust character. It possesses a rich garnet color, and a depth, complexity and opulence that is softened by an elegant, lingering aftertaste.

100% Sangiovese Brunello Growing Conditions: A normal growing season starting with sufficient rainfall during spring to create good water reserves in the soil. Overall summer temperatures were lower than in recent years and, most importantly, normal patterns of more than significant variations between daytime and night temperatures returned, yielding for a slow and balanced ripening. Very deep color with garnet hints. Complex and sweet on the nose with delicate notes of jam, well integrated with plum and ripened cherry, as well as more spicy and typical notes of liquorice, tobacco and leather. Powerful structure, characterized by soft and sweet tannins; very persistent and long aging potential.

Review

Castello Banfi Brunello #3 on Wine Spectator`s "To 12/31/2002 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1997 ranked #3 on Wine Spectator`s "Top 100 Wines of the Year" in the December 31, 2002 - January 15, 2003 issue: Publication: Wine Spectator

Wine maker notes

Winery History: "Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Together with its sister estates in Piedmont, Vigne Regali and Principessa Gavi, it has become recognized the world over for its dedication to excellence and sparking a renaissance in the art of Italian winemaking. The Mariani family proprietors credit education, dedication and discipline for the success that has accorded honors including: 11 Consecutive Years ~ Italy’s Premier Vineyard Estate at the VinItaly wine fair The first winery in the world to be internationally recognized for exceptional environmental, ethical and social responsibility (ISO 14001 and SA 8000) as well as an international leader in customer satisfaction (ISO 9001:2000). Winery of the Year by both Wine Enthusiast and Wine & Spirits Magazine and Top Ten Wines (Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio all’Oro) by Wine Spectator. Perhaps most gratifying of all is the praise of neighboring vintners who acknowledge Banfi’s role in pioneering a new era in Brunello and bringing the wine world’s attention to Montalcino. Banfi has pioneered clonal research on the Sangiovese vine to produce a more consistently excellent Brunello di Montalcino, and reduced sulfites and histamines through more organic winemaking. Technological advances, including customized cooperage for more balanced wines, nitrogen bottling to eliminate the addition of sulfites, electro-dialysis to allow flavors to emerge, and development of fermenters that combine both stainless steel and wood, are balanced with a profound respect for tradition and deep expression of the local terroir and microclimate. In the end, at Castello Banfi, winemaker and nature partner to allow the wine’s natural pedigree to emerge in artful expression." www.castellobanfi.com

Food pairing

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino’s regal qualities are best exhibited with game, red meats, roasts, hearty stews and rich powerful cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano.