Preserving the future of Brunello: Forbes interview with Cristina Mariani-May

We are pleased to share the extensive interview that Emily Price (Forbes) dedicated to Cristina Mariani-May, CEO and President of Banfi, a story that addresses the most topical issues for the future of Brunello di Montalcino: climate change, the evolution of wine style, scientific research, sustainability and the value of terroir.

In the interview, Cristina offers a sincere and direct view of the work we do every day, highlighting our company's commitment to preserving the authenticity, elegance and identity of Sangiovese.

There is no longer a typical grape harvest

Cristina describes the last ten years as a period in which predictability has disappeared, taking the 2024 grape harvest as an example:

"It was one of the most surprising vintages ever. A cool and rainy June, a summer so hot that it slowed down photosynthesis, and then an unusually cold and unstable September. Today there is no such thing as a typical vintage."

Faced with these conditions, our work in the vineyard is based on a micro-viticultural approach, which Cristina explains as follows:

"We manage each plot, and sometimes each individual row, according to its characteristics. With 29 soil types and more than 100 microclimates, precision is everything. This allows us to maintain healthy grapes, ripe tannins and a balanced alcohol profile, even in complex vintages."

 

Wood and Sangiovese: a philosophy of balance

Cristina clarifies our approach to ageing Brunello:

"Wood must accompany, not cover. After decades of comparative tastings, we still prefer large barrels: they preserve the identity of Sangiovese and respect the character of Montalcino."

He adds:

"For us, wood is the home where Brunello rests and becomes gentler and more elegant. But it must never become an ingredient."

Wood and Sangiovese: a philosophy of balance

Cristina clarifies our approach to ageing Brunello:

"Wood must accompany, not cover. After decades of comparative tastings, we still prefer large barrels: they preserve the identity of Sangiovese and respect the character of Montalcino."

He adds:

"For us, wood is the home where Brunello rests and becomes gentler and more elegant. But it must never become an ingredient."

Elegance as a future direction

Cristina notes that the contemporary sensibility towards fresher, more balanced wines represents a return to the original style of Brunello:

"Today, elegance and authenticity are finally recognised as values. For us, this is not a trend: it is the confirmation of our philosophy."

It also mentions the cultural contribution of the project Sanguis Jovisthe first study centre dedicated exclusively to Sangiovese.

A terroir that tells millions of years of history

One of the most evocative moments of the interview concerns the discovery of the fossil whale 'Brunella'found in 2007 near the Castle of Poggio alle Mura.

Cristina recounts:

"That discovery changed the way we look at soils forever. Montalcino is literally rich in Pliocene marine fossils: shells, microfossils, sediments. It is an ancient past that continues to speak in our vineyards."

Adapting to preserve Brunello

Looking ahead to the coming years, Cristina explains how we deal with climate change:

"We are rethinking planting density, canopy management and the use of cooler soils. Our aim is to maintain consistency and identity, adapting to the variability of the climate without distorting Brunello."

Our estate, with 2,900 hectares between vineyards, olive groves, arable land and natural areas, plays a key role in protecting biodiversity.

Welcoming the world to Montalcino

Finally, Cristina recalls the value of hospitality:

"Every year we welcome around 40,000 visitors. Through tastings, the Enoteca, Il Borgo and our Sala dei Grappoli, awarded a Michelin Star for the sixth year running, we tell our story to people from all over the world."

Our vision

The interview highlights the essence of our work:
preserving the Brunello tradition through research, sustainability, culture and territorial awareness.

A vision that continues to guide our every choice, today and in the future.

A confirmation that excites: La Sala dei Grappoli reconfirmed in the MICHELIN Guide 2026

There are goals that never cease to excite.
The Hall of Grapes has been reconfirmed in the MICHELIN Guide 2026with its MICHELIN Star for the sixth consecutive year.

An award that speaks of passion, care and dedication.
Of a cuisine that tells of the land with elegance.
Of a service that welcomes with kindness and attention.
Of an experience that remains in the heart of those who live it.

Every day, our team, passionately led by Elizabeth and the talented Domenico Francone Chef, puts much more than a dish on the table: it puts emotion, research, and that sense of authentic beauty that has always inspired us.

This result is not just a confirmation. It is a push to do even better.
To surprise, to innovate, to leave a mark.

Thanks to those who give their best every day.
And thanks to our guests, who choose to share with us moments that taste of excellence.

An authentic encounter: Duck and Pierina on the Estate

At Podere Collupino, nature is not just a scenery... it is a story that you can meet. Here are Paperina and Pierina, two 'micci' - as they are affectionately called in Tuscany - of the Amiatina breed, discreet custodians of an ancient bond with the land.
 
The Amiatino donkey breed
The Amiata donkey is a very old breed that developed in Tuscany, particularly around Mount Amiata, after migrations from Africa and Etruscan settlement. 
Today it is considered an endangered native breed: its grey-sorry coat with the characteristic scapular cross and the zebra stripes on its limbs make its appearance unique. 
Once a pack and work animal, today it finds new value in pet-therapy, educational trails and the enhancement of the rural landscape. 
 
A sealing experience that goes beyond splendour
Guests have the opportunity to approach Paperina and Pierina in the areas adjacent to the farm, caress them, and experience a genuine moment of rural life. This small gesture tells a lot: tradition, slowness, care, and is an integral part of the hospitality that distinguishes Castello Banfi.
 
In a stay in the hills, amidst vineyards and tranquillity, Amiata donkeys become a symbol of a world that takes care of its roots, where nature is not only admired... but experienced.
 
Meet Paperina and Pierina and discover the authentic beauty of the area.
Discover Podere Collupino

Poggio all’Oro 2019 – Brunello di Montalcino Riserva: now available

The signature Brunello of Banfi, born from an extraordinary vintage. After a long wait, the Poggio all’Oro Riserva 2019 is finally available once again.

Crafted from a meticulous selection of grapes from the historic Poggio all’Oro vineyard, it represents the pinnacle of Banfi’s production.

Produced only in the finest vintages, Poggio all’Oro stands out for its ability to combine power and grace, depth and elegance.

A wine that carves time, season after season, offering those who taste it an intense and memorable experience.

The art of waiting. The power to move.

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Banfi's Alta Langa is enriched with a new reference: Cuvée Aurora Blanc de Blancs is born

Banfi completes the family of Alta Langa with the arrival of the new Cuvée Aurora Blanc de Blancsa reference that enriches the Piedmontese winery's high-end portfolio and consolidates the company's vocation in the production of Classic Method.

A pioneer of the Alta Langa project since the 1990s, Banfi has contributed to enhancing the heritage of the Piedmontese classic method with a line that over time has become a symbol of elegance and quality: from the Cuvée Auroraborn with the 1997 vintage, up to the Rosé, to the Reserve 100 Months and the Blanc de Noirs.
Today, with the Cuvée Aurora Blanc de Blancsthe collection finds its natural completeness.

In the glass, the new Blanc de Blancs reveals the fine and persistent perlage of a Pure Chardonnayauthentic expression of the Alta Langa hills, with their limestone-clay soils rich in tuffaceous marl.
A Classic Method pas dosé with 60 months of ageing on the leeswhich conquers with its elegance, complexity and harmony, surprising with its delicate freshness and savouriness typical of the area.

The label echoes the refined Art Nouveau style of Banfi's Alta Langa line, an aesthetic language that celebrates the encounter between art and nature, through a balance of shapes and materials that enhance beauty and modernity.

'The Alta Langa project represents the highest expression of our Piedmontese Metodo Classico production,' explains Rodolfo Maralli, President of Banfi.
"The launch of Blanc de Blancs fills the only remaining free space in the range, strengthening the presence of the Banfi brand in the quality bubbly segment."

With Cuvée Aurora Blanc de Blancs, Banfi continues to express its idea of excellence: a balance between territory, innovation and contemporary vision.

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MICHELIN Key Confirmed for Hotel Il Borgo

The prestigious MICHELIN Guide 2025 has officially confirmed Hotel Il Borgo – Castello Banfi in its 2025 selection, awarding it one MICHELIN Key, already obtained in May of last year.

This recognition is not only a prestigious seal of excellence, but also the tangible result of our daily commitment—from guest service to attention to detail, and the passion with which we bring Banfi hospitality to life.

The MICHELIN Keys represent one of the highest distinctions in hotel selection: by rewarding design, architecture, personality, and service, they identify properties that stand out for quality and exceptional experiences. For this reason, we want to thank every member of our team, who every day transforms a stay into something truly unique.

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Introducing Dèinos, Banfi’s Bolgheri Superiore

Our journey in Bolgheri continues, guided by elegance, research, and vision

 

With Dèinos Bolgheri Superiore DOC we expand our collection and give life to an ambitious oenological project — a new milestone in our journey through Bolgheri, one of the world’s most fascinating and iconic wine regions.

Dèinos is the natural evolution of a path that began over ten years ago with Aska Bolgheri Rosso DOCThe two wines share a common thread: the Etruscan traditionwhich inspires both their names and their identities.
On Dèinos was a spherical ceramic vessel used during solemn Etruscan banquets — true rituals that united nature, spirit, and beauty..

We chose to honor this heritage through the label, embellished with a gold filigree motif inspired by ancient Etruscan goldsmiths — a symbol of timeless elegance and artisanal mastery.

Wine, Pure Cabernet Sauvignongrows on sandy, clay-rich, slightly calcareous soils typical of Bolgheri.
The hand-harvested grapes ferment in stainless steel with remontage and délestage before aging for 18 months in French oak barriques..
In the glass, Dèinos reveals complexity and harmonywith notes of red berries, tobacco, and licorice, and an elegant, velvety structure.

Produced in a limited edition of just 6,000 bottlesDèinos stands at the pinnacle of our experience in Bolgheri — a synthesis of competence, creativity, and vision..

“The expansion of our portfolio with a Bolgheri Superiore is strategic,” explains Rodolfo Maralli, President of Banfi. “It adds a new expression of Tuscan terroir and strengthens the Banfi brand’s presence in the high-end wine segment.”

With Dèinos, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to excellence and our dedication to interpreting each territory with respect, passion, and unmistakable style.

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Banfi: 41 Years of Vision, 41 Years of Commitment

On September 12, 1984, the Banfi winery opened its doors for the very first time, bringing to Montalcino a new idea of winemaking: one that unites tradition and innovation, roots and future.

Today, 41 years later, Banfi celebrates not just a story, but a journey that continues to renew itself year after year. Equipped from the very beginning with the most advanced technologies, the winery has been the symbol of a pioneering vision that helped write a new chapter in Italian winemaking and gave voice to the territory of Montalcino worldwide.

These 41 years are not merely an anniversary, but the confirmation of a commitment: to safeguard the richness of the past while, at the same time, designing the future with courage and responsibility.

Alongside the great wines that have made Banfi an international benchmark, today stand the hospitality experiences of Castello Banfi, with Hotel Il Borgo, the Michelin-starred La Sala dei Grappoli and La Tavernaand theL'EnotecaTwo souls that come together to tell a single lifestyle: the Banfi way.

Looking ahead, Banfi renews its mission: to continue enhancing the territory, innovating with respect, and sharing with the world an experience that goes beyond wine.

41 years later, our vision has never been more relevant.

Banfi at the forefront in New York with Wine Enthusiast’s Sip Event Series

On September 11, 2025, Montalcino meets New York at the City Wineryfor one of the most anticipated appointments of Wine Enthusiast’s Sip Event Series. signed Wine EnthusiastBanfi will be among the protagonists of this international event dedicated to Italian excellence, alongside more than 300 carefully selected labels representing the very best of Italian winemaking. The day will feature a tasting open to the public, a session reserved for press and trade professionals, and an in-depth seminar titled “Reaching the Next Generation: Lessons from Tasting and Selling Italian Wines in America,” led by Wine Enthusiast’s Italian tasters Danielle Callegari and Jeff Porter, with contributions from leading voices in the international wine scene. An opportunity to share the vision that has always guided us: "for a better wine world".

Sanguis Jovis Summer School 2025: a Legacy Looking to the Future

Five intense days of dialogue, exchange, and vision marked the conclusion of the VIII edition of the Summer School Sanguis Jovisdedicated this year to the theme Heritage: the frontier of value between terroir and storytelling..

A journey that wove together diverse fields of knowledge and perspectives: from climate change to the genetics of Sangiovese, from technological innovation to digital communication, up to the challenges of generational transition and the valorization of family enterprises.

Professors, experts, and young professionals created a unique laboratory, where dialogue was not only academic but also profoundly human. Through lectures, workshops, and guided tastings, one shared conviction clearly emerged: heritage is not only memory, but a project for the future.

legacy that becomes a promise
The 2025 Summer School demonstrated how wine, more than a product, is culture, identity, and relationship. The reflections born in the classroom and among the vineyards of Montalcino will continue to live on in the work and vision of the young talents who took part.

The appointment is now set for 2026with the IX edition of the Sanguis Jovis Summer Schoolto continue this collective journey of research and education, where the roots of the past meet the challenges of tomorrow.