Wine Excellence Award Goes to Castello Banfi of Tuscany

By Frank Mangio

Castello Banfi, the iconic vineyard estate in the Montalcino district of Tuscany, continues its high standards of excellence with its latest accolade from the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy. American-owned and operated, Banfi was the recipient of the Wine Excellence Award for "the Italian wine producer who has made the greatest contribution to developing relations between Italy and the U.S."

Castello Banfi co-CEO Cristina Mariani-May accepts the Wine Excellence Award for 2017 from U.S. Consul General in Milan and Ambassador to Italy, Philip Reeker.

Known throughout the world for its Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi family member and co-CEO Cristina Mariani-May accepted the honor in a ceremony in Verona Italy in April.

The roots of this eloquent success go back to 1978 when the Mariani family, known at that time for their importing of Italian food and wine, purchased 7,100 acres in Montalcino for the production of quality wines.

A great-great aunt, Teolinda Banfi a head of household for Pope Pius X1, taught her descendents that "wine is one of nature's most wholesome foods and cherished gifts." At Castello Banfi, a constellation of vineyards was created, using pioneer technolology rather than chemicals, to preserve the sustainable nature of their vines. About 1/3 of their total acreage is under vine, with the rest preserved for the beautiful environment it adds to the Montalcino area. The Banfi interests have extended to almost all of Italy including Piemonte and important districts of Tuscany like Bolgheri, Maremma and Chianti Classico.

On site, when you visit the winery and vineyards, you will see a state-of-the-art antique glass museum, historic balsameria, enoteca, Tucsan taverna and a luxurious restored set of resort suites, the Castello Il Borgo, a living experience in the vines.

Brunello is the signature wine of Banfi, a superior clone of the Sangiovese grape, enriched for 4 years in large oak barrels with premier quality and expression of the terrior of Tuscany. The 2012 is now in stores. Of special note, Banfi produces a 12 year old Balsamic vinegar called Condimento Balsamico Etrusco, with a dark brown, spicy bouquet, and a pleasant rich sweetish flavor. Do the research on this extraordinary master winery at castellobanfi.com.

Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web. View his columns at www.tasteofwineandfood.com. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.