Montalcino, Italy, October 24 – With the closing of the investigation into Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 and the release of our sequestered stocks of that wine, we can now focus our attention on the future – the future of Castello Banfi, the future of Montalcino, and the future of Brunello.
It is our strong belief that the heritage of Brunello rests solidly on the ennobled Sangiovese grape, and therein rests its future as well. This is why we dedicated our resources over the past thirty years in our “Pursuit of Excellence,” collaborating with leading scholars to research, register and plant optimal clones of Sangiovese in their ideal soils on our estate. And this is why we will support the move to maintain the definition of Brunello di Montalcino as being made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, with only a minimal (3%-5%) tolerance to be included in Brunello Appellation Rule to provide for human error in the vineyards or winery, as befitting a truly artisan production.
At the same time, we will work with our supportive neighbors to develop Rosso di Montalcino into a broader appellation that will allow Sangiovese to contribute its special character to a blend of other varietals, and continue to pursue the expression of the region’s unique terroir in “Montalcino Super Tuscan” wines.
When our winery was dedicated in 1984, John Mariani expressed our “fondest desire” that Castello Banfi would be “good for the people of Montalcino, good for Italy, good for America, good for all people who love fine wine.” The certifications that we have received, the quality of our wines, and the integrity of our deeds combine to show that dream alive and well today.
