Wines Brunello di Montalcino Castello Banfi - 2019

Castello Banfi’s 2019 Brunello di Montalcino epitomises both the finesse and character that have made this prestigious DOCG iconically celebrated. Crafted entirely from grapes grown on the gentle slopes surrounding Montalcino, this wine is most likely produced exclusively from Sangiovese, in line with traditional regulations for Brunello di Montalcino. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a temperate spring and a long, warm summer with cooling breezes, resulting in grapes of excellent ripeness and balance. Typically, such Brunellos are aged for several years in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barrels, encouraging both complexity and integration while preserving the varietal’s inherent freshness and vibrant acidity.

The region of Montalcino itself, in southern Tuscany, is renowned for its hilly terrain and diverse array of soils, ranging from limestone and clay to galestro. The unique microclimate, with hot days and cool nights due to elevation and proximity to both mountains and the Tyrrhenian coast, delivers wines of remarkable longevity and depth. Historically, Brunello di Montalcino has risen from regional curiosity to global benchmark within just a few decades, largely on the strength of impassioned producers such as Castello Banfi, who have melded tradition with meticulous vineyard care and innovation.

A Brunello of this nature lends itself beautifully to rich and flavourful dishes. Classic Tuscan fare, such as wild boar ragù with homemade pappardelle or a slow-braised beef stew (stracotto al Brunello), will mirror the wine’s robust structure and earthy undertones. Aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano, roast lamb with rosemary, or even truffled dishes will also highlight its depth and bright acidity. For a contemporary pairing, try it with roasted root vegetables or mushroom risotto.

To fully appreciate the nuance and potential of this 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, serve it at 16-18°C in large, tulip-shaped glasses after at least an hour of decanting. This will encourage the wine’s complex aromas—red cherry, plum, dried herbs, leather and delicate spice—to unfurl gracefully in the glass. This wine shows great promise for further cellaring but will reward those who savour it in its youth with patience and care.