Castello Banfi SUMMUS Sant Antimo DOC Toscana

In 1978 John and Harry Mariani, successful American importers, joined forces with Italy's leading enologist, Ezio Rivella; their objective was to produce top-quality wine on a scale never before attempted in Italy. Castello Banfi is a rarity among Italian wine estates, not just because of its size , its composition of single vineyards, or its state-of-the-art winery, but because it was started from scratch a little over 25 years ago. At that time the Mariani Brothers were looking for an estate where the climate and soil had to be ideal for the cultivation of many of the world's noble grape varieties, and it had to be within a region of Italy that already had a tradition of quality winemaking. The 4,500 acres that the Mariani Brothers first found were near Montalcino, and eligible for the status DOCG of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most prestigious of all Italian wines and it met the other criteria as well. By good luck the adjacent estate, of 2,600 acres, became available shortly afterwards and in 1984 the 11th century castle was the final purchase, and the estate was renamed Castello Banfi. Today Castello Banfi is producing a wide range of wines including Brunello di Montalcino that was Italy's first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for ageing. This wine is a blend of 45% Sangiovese , 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah. It is aged Approximately 24 months but because of the outstanding structure an additional six months barrel ageing was required to achieve balance and harmony. The varietal spices contribute great complexity to the rich Brunello and Cabernet characteristics, resulting in rare length and richness. A wine that will handsomely reward the patience of lengthy bottle ageing. (1 x 75 cl)

In 1978 John and Harry Mariani, successful American importers, joined forces with Italy's leading enologist, Ezio Rivella; their objective was to produce top-quality wine on a scale never before attempted in Italy. Castello Banfi is a rarity among Italian wine estates, not just because of its size , its composition of single vineyards, or its state-of-the-art winery, but because it was started from scratch a little over 25 years ago. At that time the Mariani Brothers were looking for an estate where the climate and soil had to be ideal for the cultivation of many of the world's noble grape varieties, and it had to be within a region of Italy that already had a tradition of quality winemaking. The 4,500 acres that the Mariani Brothers first found were near Montalcino, and eligible for the status DOCG of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most prestigious of all Italian wines and it met the other criteria as well. By good luck the adjacent estate, of 2,600 acres, became available shortly afterwards and in 1984 the 11th century castle was the final purchase, and the estate was renamed Castello Banfi. Today Castello Banfi is producing a wide range of wines including Brunello di Montalcino that was Italy's first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for ageing. This wine is a blend of 40% Sangiovese , 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. It is aged Approximately 23 months; 12 months as varietals and 11 months as a blend followed by 14-16 months bottle ageing. The colour is very deep and intense, while the aroma has fresh notes of cherry, plums and currants, complemented by hints of spice, tobacco and leather. Well structured, with excellent concentration and supple tannins, on the palate, it delivers rich fruit flavours with some subtle sweet notes, followed by a long finish. Drinkable now, but will age well. (6 x 75 cl)

A densely coloured ruby-hued red with garnet tones. This austere wine offers an opulent bouquet with hints of plum,blackcurrant and pepper. Its complexity comes from the long bottle ageing. (1 x 75 cl)

A complex of flavours from this Espur Tuscan red, a firm dryness is matched by a dense fullness in the middle of the palate. (6 x 75 cl)

Castello Banfi POGGIO ALL'ORO Brunello di Montalcino from Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino by Castello Banfi Montalcino Toscana Powerful Reds (6 x 75 cl)

A stunning new wine from the Castello Banfi vineyards, all finesse and elegance. (6 x 75 cl)

It has the berry and citrus peel flavours of a Rhone Syrah, together with hints of liquorice and herbs, and a leathery/pruney edge which betrays its Italian origins. . (6 x 75 cl)

In 1978 John and Harry Mariani, successful American importers, joined forces with Italy's leading enologist, Ezio Rivella; their objective was to produce top-quality wine on a scale never before attempted in Italy. Castello Banfi is a rarity among Italian wine estates, not just because of its size , its composition of single vineyards, or its state-of-the-art winery, but because it was started from scratch a little over 25 years ago. At that time the Mariani Brothers were looking for an estate where the climate and soil had to be ideal for the cultivation of many of the world's noble grape varieties, and it had to be within a region of Italy that already had a tradition of quality winemaking. The 4,500 acres that the Mariani Brothers first found were near Montalcino, and eligible for the status DOCG of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most prestigious of all Italian wines and it met the other criteria as well. By good luck the adjacent estate, of 2,600 acres, became available shortly afterwards and in 1984 the 11th century castle was the final purchase, and the estate was renamed Castello Banfi. Today Castello Banfi is producing a wide range of wines including Brunello di Montalcino that was Italy's first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for ageing. This wine is called 'Poggio alle Mura' to honour the historical name of the medieval fortress crowning the vineyard estate, the wine's vineyard runs down the slopes surrounding the castle (1 x 75 cl)

In 1978 John and Harry Mariani, successful American importers, joined forces with Italy's leading enologist, Ezio Rivella; their objective was to produce top-quality wine on a scale never before attempted in Italy. Castello Banfi is a rarity among Italian wine estates, not just because of its size , its composition of single vineyards, or its state-of-the-art winery, but because it was started from scratch a little over 25 years ago. At that time the Mariani Brothers were looking for an estate where the climate and soil had to be ideal for the cultivation of many of the world's noble grape varieties, and it had to be within a region of Italy that already had a tradition of quality winemaking. The 4,500 acres that the Mariani Brothers first found were near Montalcino, and eligible for the status DOCG of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most prestigious of all Italian wines and it met the other criteria as well. By good luck the adjacent estate, of 2,600 acres, became available shortly afterwards and in 1984 the 11th century castle was the final purchase, and the estate was renamed Castello Banfi. Today Castello Banfi is producing a wide range of wines including Brunello di Montalcino that was Italy's first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for ageing. Under the direction of Banfi's master winemakers, the Brunello grapes are transformed into a remarkable world-class wine, perhaps the most respected red of Italy. 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 colour, and a depth, complexity and opulence that is softened by an elegant, lingering aftertaste. The 1995 vintage produced grapes of surprising richness thanks to a summer season without water stress. This allowed for complete development of the polyphenols, while the cool August lengthened the overall maturation. Uncommon variations in temperature between night and day helped develop an exceptional bouquet. At first complex aromas of red fruit and licorice with a discrete hint of vanilla are evident however, a minute or two of patience is rewarded by aromas of coffee, hazelnut, and plum jam. Its softness is well balanced on the palate; it is silky and caressing, giving the sensation of fullness and tone. The long finish is marked by notes of spice and jamminess. Available in Magnum bottles. (1 x 75 cl)