Montalcino white wine: which one to choose?

Although the name of Montalcino is mainly linked to the production of Brunello, one of the most appreciated red wines in the world, in the Montalcino area certainly not lacking white wines able to compete with it in quality and character.

Indeed, the white wines of Montalcino have the great merit of telling the story of this sun-kissed corner of Tuscany, embellished by vines that extend as far as the eye can see, and of encapsulating the character and strength of this land in a goblet.

Moscadello: the historic white of Montalcino

The true historic wine of Montalcino, known and appreciated since the Renaissance, is indeed a white wine: Moscadello, whose excellence has been extolled by poets and writers who have had the good fortune to taste it.

As early as the 16th century,Sante Lacerio, historian of oenology and Pope Paul III's wine steward, appreciated its sweet and moderately sweet taste, while his contemporary, the writer Paolo Aretino, thanked a friend for receiving a bottle of Moscadello as a gift, 'tondotto, leggiero, e di quel frizzante iscarico che par che biascia'. E Ugo FoscoloDuring his stay in Florence, he used to lift his spirits from the adversities of life with a glass of Moscadello.

The fame of Moscadello as one of the most renowned white wines of Montalcino in the whole of Tuscany lasted until the 19th century, even withstanding competition from the now more famous Brunello, which has become the symbol of Montalcino. However, at the turn of the 19th and early 20th century, almost all of Tuscany's moscadella grape varieties were destroyed by the vine phylloxera attack. It is only in recent years that its cultivation has been relaunched by companies deeply linked to the Montalcino area, its history and its true oenological vocation, like we at Banfi.

The varieties cultivated in Montalcino

In the Montalcino area, they cultivate different varieties of white grapes from which fine white wines are made.

The most common grape varieties are Chardonnaythe Pinot Grigiothe Sauvignon Blance Brunello Moscadelloall varieties that are well adapted to the Tuscan climate and in particular to the hills surrounding Castello Banfia few kilometres from Montalcino, the iconic symbol of the winery. Here, then, are the Montalcino white wines produced by us.

San Angelo Pinot Grigio

The San Angelo is a rich wine, pleasant to the nose and palate. Its bouquet is heady, with a rich floral bouquet and hints of citrus fruits, while in the mouth, acidity and savouriness come together in a delicate balance. The finish is long and persistent. A structured and smooth Pinot Grigio that proves to be a pleasant surprise.

is born. from Pinot Grigio grown in the estate's vineyards and is perfect to accompany light fish dishesespecially crustaceans and shellfish or seafood salads, but it is also at its best with white meats and grilled vegetables. Also perfect as aperitif wine, this white wine from Montalcino goes very well with tasty Tuscan cheeses and it is recommended to serve it at the temperature of 10°-12°C.

Fontanelle Chardonnay

The Fontanelle is the must-have bottle in every wine lover's private cellar. Born from the best selection of Chardonnay produced on the Banfi estate and, thanks to ageing in French oak, acquires that hint of elderberry and vanilla that makes it so appreciated by the most refined palates.

Like all white wines from the Montalcino area, Fontanelle is deeply tied to the terroir, with a soft and well-balanced structure, complex but at the same time elegant and refined with a lingering finish.

It is ideal to uncork during a romantic dinner or festive occasion, especially if the menu includes elaborate fish dishessuch as linguine with lobster or stuffed squid. However, the potential of this wine also to accompany the white meatgrilled or baked. It is recommended to serve it at temperature of 12°-14°C.

Serena Sauvignon Blanc

The Serena, among the white wines of Montalcino produced by Banfi encapsulates all the soul of Montalcino, the superb landscapes of the village and surrounding hills, the passion of those who work in the vineyards as they once did, and the scent of freshly harvested grapes.

It is produced by Sauvignon Blanc grown on the Banfi estate and made unique by the soil characteristics and microclimate of the Montalcino area. Serena has an intense perfume characteristic of the variety, with hints of nettle and tomato leaves, and a rich, persistent flavour.

A strong wine like this needs to be matched with dishes with characterelaborate fish recipes for both starters and main courses. And if you love vegetarian cuisineThere is no better Montalcino white wine than this: its slightly spicy flavour makes it the ideal wine to pair with seasonal vegetables. We recommend serving it with temperature of 10°-12°C.

FloruS Moscadello di Montalcino Late Harvest

The FloruS is a late harvest Moscadello di Montalcino D.O.C. and is the perfect bottle to uncork at the end of the meal if you want to end a dinner with family or friends on a high note. It is a dessert wine extremely balanced, in which the sweetness of the residual sugars and good acidity alternate to create a balanced and silky winewith a very persistent finish, almost a passito.

It can be paired with desserts of all kinds, but its fruity aromas and velvety texture are enhanced even more when accompanied by dry sweets such as ricciarelli or cantuccitypical of Tuscan pastries. It is also perfect with mature cheeses. We suggest serving the FloruS at the temperature of 10°-12°C.