Excellent results for Banfi at The Sommelier Wine Awards 2015, where 2 of our wines were awarded the Gold Medal - Poggio alle Mura 2010, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG & Rosa Regale 2014, Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG - and another was awarded the Silver Medal - Poggio alle Mura Riserva 2009, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.

Sommelier Wine Awards

The Sommelier Wine Awards is the only UK competition for on-trade wines, and is focused exclusively on those wines intended to be marketed in the on-trade. Since its inception in 2007, the competition has grown to become the first point of reference for on-trade buyers as well as the main competition for those wines wishing to increase their presence in hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants. Judges serve or buy wine in the on-trade, and wines with a high distribution in the large-scale retail trade are not allowed to participate, with the exception of sparkling or fortified wines, and those with exclusive online sales.

Banfi, Poggio alle Mura, Brunello di Montalcino

Undoubtedly young, it is to be hoarded and cellared if possible. 'Delicious open style with a delicate floral touch and more complex fruit notes of cherry and plum,' began team leader Simon Woods, who continued: 'Balanced, good, refined and long.' 'Red and black fruits, minerality and cedar wood, slightly hard tannins, balanced alcohol and a long finish,' said Gareth Ferreira of Launceston Place.

Banfi, Rosa Regale, Brachetto d'Acqui

How wonderful. Drink it outside, slightly chilled, or accompany it with any dessert that includes dark chocolate. 'Lush and summery, with soft bubbles and raspberry,' said consultant Eike Bosche, with team leader Tom Forrest adding: 'Hints of cherry gum, cherry and raspberry make it fresh in the mouth, with balanced sugar in the finish.'

Following research by Jane Reynolds of Oyster.comwhich was later taken up by ABC Newswith great joy we find Banfi Castle - The Borgo among the 6 splendid Italian castles where you can stay.

"Many of us have dreamed of living in a castle. After all, this is often accompanied by quite a few perks! Well, here at Oyster.com we all try to turn dreams into reality, so we have scoured Italy - from the countryside to the cobbled streets of the city, to find beautiful castles where you can actually stay. These six historic hotels are all housed within former castles, and therefore exude a regal atmosphere from the majestic facades to the ancient interiors." J. Reynold

Castello Banfi, Italian castles to stay in

Castello Banfi Il Borgo is an 18th century rural village built around the medieval Banfi Castle. The village ('Il Borgo' in Italian), has been restored and transformed into a luxury resort, and is part of a 7,100-acre property where high quality red wines are produced. The hotel's 14 rooms and suites reflect this heritage, and each has been named after one of the labels produced by Banfi.

Expect a rich character of historic charm throughout the property; picturesque stone buildings with wooden beams, brick arches, and terracotta tiles inside. The elegant swimming pool has breathtaking views over the vineyards, and there are also two restaurants, a wine shop, and a glass museum. For those wishing to explore the region, destinations such as Siena and Montepulciano are about an hour's drive away.

For the full article:
https://gma.yahoo.com/6-stunning-italian-castles-actually-stay-051015676–abc-news-travel.html