Castello Banfi COLLE PINO Sangiovese Merlot Toscana IGT

Castello Banfi CENTINE ROSE Toscana IGT from Italy, Tuscany by Castello Banfi Montalcino Toscana (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. Col di Sasso, which translates to 'Stony Hill' is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes cultivated on the most rocky and impervious slopes of the Banfi estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. Typically harvested in early October, each grape variety is vinified separately with the Sangiovese imparting body, while stainless steel aged Cabernet Sauvignon adds fruit and structure. Intense ruby red colour this wine has fresh aromas and flavours of cassis, plum, and cherry with hints of green bell pepper. Well structured with balanced acidity the rich juicy fruit of the Cabernet Sauvignon is well-balanced by the soft tannins and structure of the Sangiovese. (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. Col di Sasso, which translates to 'Stony Hill' is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes cultivated on the most rocky and impervious slopes of the Banfi estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. Typically harvested in early October, each grape variety is vinified separately with the Sangiovese imparting body, while stainless steel aged Cabernet Sauvignon adds fruit and structure. Intense ruby red colour this wine has fresh aromas and flavours of cassis, plum, and cherry with hints of green bell pepper. Well structured with balanced acidity the rich juicy fruit of the Cabernet Sauvignon is well-balanced by the soft tannins and structure of the Sangiovese. Available in half bottles. (12 x 37.5 cl)

Although a younger brother of Brunello di Montalcino, it still has plenty of depth and structure on both nose and palate. (6 x 75 cl)

Sun dried Moscadello grapes and a year's barrique ageing give this wine a complex set of flavours, including exotic fruit, honey and raisins. (6 x 50 cl)

A lovely medium-weight red wine with plenty of fruit and a firm, dry finish on the palate. (12 x 37.5 cl)

A lovely medium-weight red wine with plenty of fruit and a firm, dry finish on the palate. (6 x 75 cl)

A ripe and textured Pinot Grigio with a good length and elegance on the finish. (6 x 75 cl)

The firm floral bouquet of the Sauvignon blends elegantly with the upfront fruit flavours of the Chardonnay. (6 x 75 cl)