Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2016 DOCG – Classic Tuscan fortified wine with impressive ageing potential

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2016 DOCG is the epitome of aristocratic Italian wine. Brunello di Montalcino was the first wine in Italy to achieve DOCG status – an honorary designation that highlights the area’s outstanding quality, balance and exceptional ageing potential. The 2016 vintage is considered one of the greats of Montalcino and delivers a Brunello with structure, elegance and depth.

At Castello Banfi, this Brunello is the result of more than three decades of targeted research into Sangiovese clones. The goal has been to refine and optimize the grape material to create an even more complex and harmonious Brunello di Montalcino. The grapes are carefully selected from the estate’s vineyards around Montalcino, where the soil and microclimate create optimal conditions for the Sangiovese grape.

After harvest, the wine undergoes a classic vinification with 10-12 days of maceration with skin contact to extract color, structure and aromatic intensity. The Brunello is not released until the fifth year after the harvest and is aged for a minimum of four years – at least two of which in oak barrels of various sizes. Mainly French oak barriques are used, combined with larger Slavonian oak barrels, creating a perfect balance between fruit, barrel and tannic structure.

The result is a Brunello di Montalcino with great finesse and significant ageing potential – a wine that already impresses now, but will develop beautifully over the next many years.

Tasting notes

Color: Deep ruby red with garnet red nuances.

Aroma: Complex and intense with notes of ripe cherries, plums and wild berries, accompanied by violets, tobacco, leather and subtle spices from barrel aging.

Flavor: Full-bodied and structured with silky but firm tannins. Dark berries, spices, balsamic notes and an elegant minerality add depth and character.

Finish: Long, persistent and harmonious, with a great balance between fruit, acidity and barrel.

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2016 DOCG is an ideal companion for beef, game, lamb and mature cheeses. Serve at 16-18°C and decant an hour before serving to unfold its full aromatic spectrum.

About Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi was founded in 1978 and has since been one of the most influential producers in Montalcino. Based around the historic castle, the house has combined research, innovation and respect for tradition. Their work with Sangiovese clones has been instrumental in the development of modern Brunello di Montalcino, and today Banfi is internationally recognized for its uncompromising quality and sustainable approach to winemaking.

• Type: Red wine – Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
• Vintage: 2016
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese
• Region: Montalcino, Tuscany
• Aging: Minimum 4 years, of which at least 2 years in French and Slavonian oak barrels
• Release: 5th year after harvest
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 14%