2023 Banfi Rosso di Montalcino

Aromas of fresh red cherry, raspberry, and sweet violets integrate with subtle notes of licorice, vanilla, and a hint of forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied and exceptionally supple, featuring a vibrant core of red berry fruit and a smooth, approachable texture. It displays a balanced structure with soft, silky tannins and a bright acidity that leads to a clean finish marked by savory herbs and a touch of spice.

The winemaking team utilizes 100% Sangiovese grapes sourced from the estate's specialized vineyard plots. In the cellar, the fruit undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and hybrid "Horizon" French oak and steel tanks to preserve aromatic freshness while building mid-palate weight. The wine matures for 12 months in a mix of large French oak casks and smaller barriques. This shorter aging period compared to Brunello allows the wine to retain its primary fruit energy and youthful vitality while developing a polished, elegant framework.

The fruit is grown on the Castello Banfi estate in the southern part of Montalcino, Tuscany. The site is defined by its diverse soils, which include clay, sand, and calcareous stones, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. This region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with cooling breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea, which are essential for maintaining the acidity of the Sangiovese. The 2023 vintage in Montalcino was characterized by a balanced growing season that produced wines with high-toned aromatics and a refined, linear structure typical of the "Junior Brunello" style.