Experience the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking with Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura, a celebrated single-vineyard masterpiece crafted from 100% Sangiovese grapes. This DOCG wine is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, showcased through meticulous clonal research and advanced winemaking techniques. Aged in a combination of French oak barrels and barriques, it reveals an exquisite bouquet of blackberry, plum jam, coffee, and hints of pipe tobacco, finishing with a touch of spice. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied structure with velvety tannins and a persistent, elegant finish, making it a wine of exceptional aging potential. Pair this Brunello with rich meats, aged cheeses, or savor it as a meditative delight for its complexity and balance. Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs alike, this wine encapsulates the heritage and excellence of Tuscany.
Process & Profile
This Brunello di Montalcino is crafted from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes, a clone of Sangiovese renowned for its thick skins and robust flavors. The grapes are grown on the Poggio alle Mura estate, a vineyard identified as exceptional through decades of research. Following hand-harvesting, the wine undergoes fermentation at controlled temperatures in hybrid tanks made of stainless steel and French oak. Aging is conducted in a combination of small French oak barriques (60%) and large Slavonian oak casks (40%) for a minimum of two years, followed by additional bottle aging before release. This meticulous process ensures a wine of elegance, complexity, and exceptional longevity.
Tasting Notes
The Poggio alle Mura exudes a deep ruby-red color and offers a complex bouquet of dark fruits, such as blackberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant. Subtle hints of vanilla, tobacco, and spice enhance its aromatic profile. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a velvety texture, balanced acidity, and firm tannins. Layers of flavors—including chocolate, leather, smoke, and dark fruit—culminate in a long, persistent finish.
What Makes It Special
What sets Castello Banfi's Poggio alle Mura apart is its synthesis of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. The zonation studies conducted on the estate ensure that only the best grapes contribute to this wine. Moreover, its dual aging approach in French barriques and Slavonian oak imparts both the finesse of modern winemaking and the authenticity of Tuscan tradition. As a DOCG-certified wine, it adheres to the highest Italian quality standards, making it a prized choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
How to Enjoy
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Pairing Suggestions: This wine complements rich and flavorful dishes such as braised meats, game, roasts, and aged cheeses. Its acidity and tannin structure make it an ideal companion for hearty Italian meals like wild boar rag√π or bistecca alla fiorentina.
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Serving Tips: To fully appreciate its complexity, decant the wine at least two hours before serving. It is best enjoyed at a temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F).
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Aging Potential: While approachable now, the Poggio alle Mura is built for aging, with optimal drinking windows extending from 2025 to 2043. Over time, it will develop softer tannins, richer tertiary flavors, and greater depth.
Indulge in the Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura to experience a wine that perfectly embodies the elegance and tradition of Tuscany's most celebrated appellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary grape used in Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura?
This wine is made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese, a clone specifically adapted to the Montalcino region and known as Brunello.
What are the tasting notes for Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura?
The wine has a deep ruby-red color and offers aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and plum, complemented by hints of vanilla, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins, featuring flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, leather, and smoke, with a long, persistent finish.
How is this wine aged?
The wine is aged for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels, with 40% in larger casks and 60% in smaller barriques. It also undergoes additional bottle aging to enhance its complexity and structure.
What foods pair well with this wine?
This Brunello pairs excellently with rich and hearty dishes such as roasted or grilled red meats, game, mushroom-based dishes, truffles, and aged cheeses like Parmesan or Tuscan Pecorino.
What is the ideal serving temperature and glass type for this wine?
Serve the wine at 60–68°F (15–20°C) in an oversized wine glass to fully appreciate its aroma and flavor profile. Decanting for at least one hour is recommended for optimal enjoyment.
How long can this wine be cellared?
With proper storage conditions, this wine has excellent aging potential, typically lasting for 10 to 30 years and continuing to improve over time.
What makes this wine unique?
This wine is crafted exclusively from estate vineyards identified as the most suitable for cultivating Sangiovese. The balance of Montalcino's terroir, altitude, and microclimate gives it a unique depth, elegance, and capacity for long aging.
What distinguishes Brunello di Montalcino from other Italian red wines?
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious wines, made exclusively from Sangiovese and aged longer than most Italian wines. It offers a robust structure with complex flavors and exceptional aging potential, standing apart as a collectible and iconic wine.
