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 Producer:
Castello
Banfi
Region: Toscana
DOC(G):
Brunello
di Montalcino
Sant'Antimo
About the Producer:
Castello Banfi...
a legend among the hills of Toscana. The story of this remarkable
winery began over 80 years ago, when John Mariani (the original founder)
was running a business in New York City as a wine merchant, until
prohibition struck and he was forced to switch to other Italian specialities.
It remained that way for thirteen years, but when Repeal hit Mariani
didn't hesitate to get back into the wine trade, as he immediately
went to Europe in search of top-quality wine. He kept his focus on
Italian wine, and helped to introduce New Yorkers to the Italian greats:
Barolo, Brunello and Chianti Riserva. Mariani enjoyed great success
during the next couple of decades, which led him to found Castello
Banfi, with the help of his brother, Harry. That was in 1978, when
they chose the name Banfi to honor their mother and aunt (who took
them in when financial problems forced them to move back to Italy
early in the 21st century), whose maiden name was Banfi.
From the beginning they chose to use their own unique style of winemaking,
creating wine that was in line with the changing demand of the time,
while still remaning elegant enough to satisfy the serious collectors.
Top enologists were brought in to perfect the wine operation and test
numerous clones of the various grapes they were using. The foundation
of their wine was (and still is) the belief that the most important
part of the process lies in the vineyard itself; it's where it all
begins.
The estate has enjoyed continual success ever since, and even though
John is no longer around (he passed away several years ago), his daughter
Cristina-Mariani May now oversees the operation, constantly looking
to improve and upgrade whenever possible. Traditional Slavonian oak
is combined with French and American oak barriques here, as the winemakers
of Castello Banfi personally select the raw wood from the forests
of France and bring it over to be hand-crafted. Just a few years ago,
Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded Castello Banfi with the prestigious
"2001 European Winery of the Year" award. While this estate
has already accomplished what most winemakers can only dream of, they
are still striving to become better and better.
Featured Wine(s):
Castello
Banfi Excelsus
Castello Banfi Summus
Castello Banfi Cum Laude
Castello Banfi Poggio all'Oro
Castello Banfi Poggio alle Mura
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino
Castello Banfi Tavernelle
Castello Banfi Mandrielle
Castello Banfi Colvecchio
Castello Banfi Belnero
Castello Banfi Fontanelle
Castello Banfi San Angelo
Castello Banfi Serena
Castello Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva
Castello Banfi Chianti Classico
Castello Banfi Centine
Castello Banfi Col
di Sasso
Castello Banfi Le Reim
To purchase these wines, call our Portfolio
Managers at 212.473.2323.
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