Castello Banfi : Brunello di Montalcino 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino from Castello Banfi

Tasting

Color

The color reveals an intense ruby-red hue enhanced by garnet highlights.

Nose

Complex, the nose unveils aromas of red fruits and cherry, accompanied by notes of licorice and tobacco. Subtle woody touches complete this aromatic bouquet.

Palate

Full-bodied and structured, the palate delights with silky tannins and fine acidity. The finish stands out for its remarkable persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, game dishes, as well as aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this 2021 Brunello di Montalcino, it is recommended to decant it 1 to 2 hours before serving and to serve it at a temperature of 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed from 2027 and offers excellent cellaring potential.

A classic, structured Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany

The estate

Founded in 1978 by the Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani, Castello Banfi is an iconic estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. Dominated by a 15th-century medieval castle perched on a hill between Siena and Mount Amiata, it combines tradition and modernity. Under the leadership of Enrico Viglierchio, the estate stands out for innovative and sustainable vineyard practices, perfectly suited to growing Sangiovese on clay-limestone soils, giving the wines great finesse and fine complexity.

The vineyard

The Brunello di Montalcino vineyard of Castello Banfi is located in southern Tuscany, between Siena and the Maremma. The vines benefit from optimal exposure and grow on well-drained clay-limestone soils rich in stones. The estate has developed a proprietary training system called Albarello Banfi, naturally limiting yields to four or five bunches per vine for optimal concentration. The vines are planted at high density, up to 5,000 vines per hectare in certain plots, encouraging root competition and the expression of terroir.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by contrasting conditions. A spring frost in April significantly reduced yields, naturally concentrating the quality of the remaining grapes. The summer proved exceptionally dry, with rainfall among the lowest recorded. Fortunately, timely rains in mid-August enabled optimal berry ripening. September offered ideal conditions with warm days and cool nights, encouraging the development of complex aromas while preserving fine acidity. Harvest took place between late September and early October, allowing grapes to be picked at perfect ripeness.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes for the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled tanks at between 25 and 30°C, with 10 to 12 days of skin maceration allowing optimal extraction of tannins and color. Ageing takes place over two years in French oak, split between 80% large 60- to 90-hectoliter casks and 20% 350-liter barrels. This combination preserves the purity of the fruit while bringing an elegant structure. Additional bottle ageing precedes release.

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese