Intense red color, with a ruby shade. The aromas are very complex and soft, with notes of plum jam, ripe cherry and red fruit, all well-integrated with hints of licorice and tobacco. Characterized by a powerful but round structure, on the palate it is full and harmonious, with a long and very persistent finish.

Brunello di Montalcino was Italy`s first wine to be accorded D.O.C.G. status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for aging. Under the direction of Banfi`s master winemakers, our Sangiovese 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 color, and a depth, complexity and opulence that is softened by an elegant, lingering aftertaste. 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.

Review

"Americans John and Harry Mariani created this estate from scratch beginning in 1978, hiring enologist Ezio Rivella to oversee the winemaking. The work was completed in 1984, and today 2,400 acres of the 7,100 acre property are planted to grapes. Made from 100 percent Sangiovese grown in several estate vineyards, this Brunello spends two and a half years in large oak casks before being bottled. It`s the highest rated Brunello normale from Banfi to date."

Wine maker notes

The 2007 is a unique vintage for Castello Banfi, marking a new phase in our winemaking regimen. In 2007 the new micro-winery, dubbed Horizon, was inaugurated. Horizon represents an increased attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery, including the results of our clonal research on the Sangiovese vine, artisan vineyard management, hand harvesting, berry selection, and separate vinification of each Brunello vineyard on our estate. Thanks to a mild winter, the growing season started early, with anticipated flowering. Heavy rainfall in late May and early June provided sufficient water reserves in the soil to endure the mid-June heat wave. The harvest started about one week ahead of time yet still lasted into mid October without any difficulties, thanks to ideal fall weather.

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.