Banfi, Castello
Summary
Castello Banfi is an American-founded, family-operated 7,100-acre estate in southern Montalcino producing primarily Sangiovese-based Brunello wines from 850 hectares of vineyards across diverse limestone, clay, sand, and volcanic soils. The estate balances tradition with innovation through their pioneering Sangiovese clone research and hybrid fermentation technology while maintaining traditional aging protocols in both Slavonian oak casks and French barriques.
Heritage & Leadership
Castello Banfi was established in 1978 when American brothers John and Harry Mariani acquired land in the southern part of Montalcino, Tuscany. The Mariani family, who had previously built a successful wine import business in the United States, assembled the estate by purchasing several properties to create what would become a 7,100-acre (2,830-hectare) property. The centerpiece of the estate is a former fortress dating to the 13th century, which the family restored and converted into the winery's headquarters.
Under the leadership of the Mariani family, Castello Banfi developed into one of Montalcino's largest wine producers. Cristina Mariani-May, daughter of John Mariani, now serves as CEO and continues the family's management of the estate. The family's commitment to research has been evident since the estate's founding, with the implementation of a ten-year research project on Sangiovese clones beginning in 1982, conducted in collaboration with the University of Milan.
## Vineyards & Wines
The Castello Banfi estate encompasses 2,830 hectares in the southern portion of Montalcino, of which approximately 850 hectares are planted to vineyards. The remaining land includes olive groves, fruit orchards, and natural woodland. The vineyards range in elevation from 220 to 300 meters above sea level, spread across varied terrain that creates distinct microclimates.
The estate's vineyards feature diverse soil compositions, with sections containing limestone, clay, sand, and volcanic elements. This variety allows for the cultivation of multiple grape varieties, though Sangiovese dominates with approximately 650 hectares dedicated to this variety for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. Additional plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Vermentino.
Castello Banfi's flagship wine is Brunello di Montalcino, produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The estate also produces Rosso di Montalcino, Super Tuscan blends including Summus and ExcelsuS, and varietal wines from international grape varieties. The vineyard's varied soil types and microclimates allow for site-specific planting, with each grape variety matched to optimal growing conditions.
## Philosophy & Practice
Castello Banfi's approach to winemaking combines traditional methods with technological innovation. The estate pioneered research on Sangiovese clones, identifying and propagating those best suited to the Montalcino terroir. This research culminated in the isolation of 15 superior clones, three of which were registered with the Italian government for commercial use.
In the winery, Castello Banfi developed and patented hybrid fermentation tanks that combine stainless steel and temperature-controlled wood. These tanks, used for fermenting premium red wines, aim to combine the hygiene and control of steel with the beneficial oxygen exchange of wood. For aging, the estate employs both large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barriques, with specific aging protocols developed for each wine.
The estate practices sustainable agriculture and holds certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for environmental management (ISO 14001), quality management (ISO 9001), and social accountability (SA 8000). Water conservation measures include a purification plant that recycles water used in the winemaking process. Castello Banfi also maintains a policy of minimal intervention in the vineyards, using cover crops to prevent soil erosion and enhance biodiversity.
Vineyards & Wines
The Castello Banfi estate encompasses 2,830 hectares in the southern portion of Montalcino, of which approximately 850 hectares are planted to vineyards. The remaining land includes olive groves, fruit orchards, and natural woodland. The vineyards range in elevation from 220 to 300 meters above sea level, spread across varied terrain that creates distinct microclimates.
The estate's vineyards feature diverse soil compositions, with sections containing limestone, clay, sand, and volcanic elements. This variety allows for the cultivation of multiple grape varieties, though Sangiovese dominates with approximately 650 hectares dedicated to this variety for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. Additional plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Vermentino.
Castello Banfi's flagship wine is Brunello di Montalcino, produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The estate also produces Rosso di Montalcino, Super Tuscan blends including Summus and ExcelsuS, and varietal wines from international grape varieties. The vineyard's varied soil types and microclimates allow for site-specific planting, with each grape variety matched to optimal growing conditions.
## Philosophy & Practice
Castello Banfi's approach to winemaking combines traditional methods with technological innovation. The estate pioneered research on Sangiovese clones, identifying and propagating those best suited to the Montalcino terroir. This research culminated in the isolation of 15 superior clones, three of which were registered with the Italian government for commercial use.
In the winery, Castello Banfi developed and patented hybrid fermentation tanks that combine stainless steel and temperature-controlled wood. These tanks, used for fermenting premium red wines, aim to combine the hygiene and control of steel with the beneficial oxygen exchange of wood. For aging, the estate employs both large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barriques, with specific aging protocols developed for each wine.
The estate practices sustainable agriculture and holds certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for environmental management (ISO 14001), quality management (ISO 9001), and social accountability (SA 8000). Water conservation measures include a purification plant that recycles water used in the winemaking process. Castello Banfi also maintains a policy of minimal intervention in the vineyards, using cover crops to prevent soil erosion and enhance biodiversity.
Philosophy & Practice
Castello Banfi's approach to winemaking combines traditional methods with technological innovation. The estate pioneered research on Sangiovese clones, identifying and propagating those best suited to the Montalcino terroir. This research culminated in the isolation of 15 superior clones, three of which were registered with the Italian government for commercial use.
In the winery, Castello Banfi developed and patented hybrid fermentation tanks that combine stainless steel and temperature-controlled wood. These tanks, used for fermenting premium red wines, aim to combine the hygiene and control of steel with the beneficial oxygen exchange of wood. For aging, the estate employs both large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barriques, with specific aging protocols developed for each wine.
The estate practices sustainable agriculture and holds certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for environmental management (ISO 14001), quality management (ISO 9001), and social accountability (SA 8000). Water conservation measures include a purification plant that recycles water used in the winemaking process. Castello Banfi also maintains a policy of minimal intervention in the vineyards, using cover crops to prevent soil erosion and enhance biodiversity.