(Montalcino, Tuscany – April 2009) Castello Banfi has been honored as the foremost ambassador for Italy’s historic traditions and innovations in winemaking.
The VinItaly International Award, bestowed for distinguished achievements in the world of wine, honors Banfi’s leadership and dedication to excellence.
“Castello Banfi today represents one of the leading ambassadors of ‘Made in Italy’ throughout the world,” said Giovanni Mantovani, Director General of VeronaFiere, the parent organization of VinItaly. “A driving force behind Montalcino, insolubly tied to the territory which rises up with intensity in every sip of its wines, Castello Banfi has succeeded in combining good business sense with high quality, technological innovation with tradition, always with a profound respect for the territory and environment.”
Cristina Mariani-May, family proprietor of Castello Banfi, will accept the award in Verona on the eve of the fair’s 43rdedition.
For 90 years Banfi has dedicated itself to fine wine, and is no stranger to the stage at VinItaly, with its historic estate in Tuscany having been awarded the “Premio Gran VinItaly” an unprecedented four times and declared Italy’s best winery eleven consecutive years; those prizes were based on the results of blind tastings by international professionals prior to the fair.
“My colleagues and I are forever dedicated to the pioneering achievements which have become especially meaningful in the world today where consumers seek pure and natural wines with value prices,” said Ms. Mariani-May.
Castello Banfi pioneered vitis vinifera clonal research to improve historical Brunello di Montalcino, and re-introduced Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato and Sauvignon Blanc to the region, producing “food wines” low in sulfites and histamines. It was the first winery in the world awarded international recognition for Exceptional Environmental, Ethical and Social Responsibility (ISO 14001 and SA8000) as well as an International Leader in Customer Satisfaction (ISO 9001:2000) by the International Standard Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Castello Banfi has become a hallmark for Tuscan hospitality and food, and includes a classic taverna, enoteca, private glass museum, balsamic cellars, winery tours, and a five star Borgo with luxury rooms and suites.
VinItaly opens on Thursday, April 2 and runs through Monday, April 6. For more information, please visit www.banfi.it or www.vinitaly.com.
