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Castello Banfi

This is a giant operation, in which millions of dollars have been invested by Americans John and Harry Mariani. The wealthy brothers moved from churning out massive volumes of cheap Lambrusco to this more quality-orientated scheme in the late 1970s. For decades the winery was overseen by Ezio Rivella, but currently at the winemaking helm is Pablo Harri, one-time employee.

With over 900 hectares of land planted to vines, it's no surprise that production volumes are huge, and the range of wines is expansive. For Brunello they are market leaders in terms of volume, producing over 600000 bottles annually. Both Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino just about hang on to their reputations as worthy wines, although in terms of quality the IGT wines Summus (Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah) and Excelsus (Cabernet and Merlot) are superior. Lower down the scale there is a massive range of wines, including Chianti and a range of French varietals. (18/11/02)

Contact details:
Address: Castello Banfi, 53024 Montalcino
Telephone: +39 0577 840111
Fax: +39 0577 840205
Internet: www.castellobanfi.com

Castello Banfi - Tasting Notes

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Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2008: Stones and seaweed on the nose here, with a lightly gamey layer of fruit. Supple, although showing more flesh than I expected from the nose, with good spice and peppery tannin. An attractively composed wine, although those aromas certainly raise some concerns. From a 2010 Bibendum tasting. 14.5+?/20 (March 2010)

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2007: Pure Sangiovese of course, with a year in barrel, half French and half Slavonian. The nose displays this somewhat, with a slightly high-toned edge to some polished oak, alongside notes of smoky cherries with a confit edge, and pastry, rather reminiscent of cherry pie. Not big or overly sweet though. Medium-bodied on the palate, with a firm structure that demands food, or a few more years cellar-time yet. Good sappy-substance though, polished extract, firm and welcome acidity, and a light infusion of ripe, sweet tannins towards the end. Lots of meat to it in the finish too. Deliciously drinkable now, but it will go in the cellar for a few years too. From a Bibendum sale tasting. 16+/20 (February 2010)

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2004: An attractive nose, slightly meaty, appealing and firm. A very structured palate, quite upright, with prominent acidity and soft tannin. There is minimal fruit showing here at present, but a good substance and a slightly custardy finish. This has potential but should be left well alone for the moment. From a 2010 Bibendum tasting. 16-16.5+/20 (March 2010)

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 1999: This wine has a good, vibrant red colour. Interesting aromas of rubber and black olives on the nose, although this precedes a somewhat hard and charmless palate, which is dominated by hard tannins. There are some notes of black fruits, otherwise there is little in the way of flavour or other character to add any balance or interest. Correct acidity. 13/20 (November 2002) Label

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1996: Some evidence of developing maturity on the colour, which has lost its initial youthful vibrancy. On the nose, nuances of leather, coffee and violets sit alongside more prominent dark fruit aromas. Nicely textured and balanced on the palate, with polyphenol mouthfeel and good acidity. Ripe, fruity tannins which lend a succulence to the palate, and lots of ripe, burnt cherry fruit. Typical Sangiovese acidity. 16/20 (November 2002) Label

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1982: This has a rich, red, youthful colour, fading just a little at the rim. Classic bitter cherries on the nose, with some notes of smoke and sweat. It has a beautiful texture, great structure and wonderful balance. The acidity does overshadow the fruit a little towards the endpalate, but this doesn't distract from the overall impression. Classic and stylish. From a 1982 vintage Twenty Year On Tasting. 18/20 (April 2002)