The soils surrounding Banfi are rich in marine fossils: more than 5 million years ago, the sea covered the space that is now the rolling hills of our estate.
Proof came with the 2007 discovery of a fossilized whale, today awaiting its final display location, which will likely be at Banfi itself. The discovery came about in the same area where paleontologists had earlier discovered numerous sharks’s teeth, a clear sign that many predators were feeding on the carcass of the whale immediately after its death.
But at Banfi our findings are not limited to traces of prehistory: we have also uncovered archeological treasures dating to the ancient Etruscans and Romans, items which came to light in the first formative years of our estate
Positioned at the confluence of the Orcia and Ombrone rivers, the Banfi estate extends along the southern slopes of the township of Montalcino across 7,100 acres of land; one third of the property is under specialized vine and the balance is shared between olive groves, wheat fields, plum trees, truffle stands, forest and scrub.
In addition to the two traditional varietals of the area, Sangiovese e Moscadello, plantings of the principal noble varietals are perfectly integrated in this exceptional environment.
Our soils are extremely rich and uniform, structured with clay and calcium which favor the optimal growth conditions for the vine and complexity in red wines, which the wealth of stones and organic matter render the aromatic profile of our white wines with classic minerality.
Recognizing the undoubtable value and potential of this terrain, for over thirty years we have undertaken research and studies focusing on the principal red varietals, especially Sangiovese, in collaboration with some of Italy’s most important universities.
CLIMATE
The essential component of a great wine growing area, climate represents an important variable in the cultivation of the vine; it is able to impact production, in no small way, in terms of both quantity and quality.
The entire area or our estate is characterized by high exposure to sun and breezes, with rainfall concentrated mainly in the autumn. A temperate climate that, thanks to dramatic variations between daytime and nightly temperatures, allow the grapes to fully ripen under optimal conditions.
