It is important to know that you don't have to be a professional sommelier to know how to make a tasting experiences of wines: just follow some tips on wine tasting.

Practical tips for tasting wine

The first tip for tasting wine is to do not compromise your senses before tasting. This means avoiding eating heavy foods, chewing gum or smoking, but also not using perfumes or creams with too strong a fragrance, as they may alter olfactory perceptions.

The second suggestion is to always start with the lightest wines and continue with gradually more full-bodied and structured ones.

The third piece of advice is to do not touch the chalice with your handsHold the glass by the stem to prevent the heat of your hand from affecting the temperature of the wine.

Tasting wine: a multi-sensory experience

Tasting a wine is a complete experience from a multi-sensory point of view because, as we have seen, it involves most of the senses: sight, smell and palate.

The view

The first sense involved in a wine tasting is the viewFrom its appearance one can already understand many of its organoleptic properties, which can be confirmed or not during the subsequent stages of tasting. The characteristics to bear in mind during the visual examination are:

• colour
• clarity
• consistency
• effervescence

Colour: white, red or rosé? And what are the intensity and hue? The variety of the grape variety, the vinification process, the age of the wine and the production area are just some of the factors that influence this.

The second phase is the evaluation of the clarity and transparency, i.e. the ability or otherwise of light to shine through and the possible presence of impurities or residues. To do this, it is necessary to tilt the goblet 45° against a white background with good lighting.

Then there is the consistency of wine, linked to the content of substances other than water and responsible for its organoleptic profile. To examine it, it is necessary to swirl the wine in the glass to assess its fluidity, the first of the reasons for the well-known gesture that has become the symbol par excellence of wine tasting.

One can observe droplets of wine running down the walls (in Italian this is referred to as 'bows"(French for 'tears'). Full-bodied, heavy, well-structured wines will go down more slowly, while lighter wines, particularly white wines, will go down faster.

Effervescence is probably the first thing we observe in sparkling or semi-sparkling wines. It is the development of bubbles, the perlage, which forms after opening a bottle, a consequence of the release of carbon dioxide, which dissolves and releases the gas, whose bubbles create the typical froth of these wines.

The sense of smell

Once you have passed the visual examination, you move on to the olfactoryThis is perhaps the most important part, but also the most difficult: it takes a lot of practice to be able to grasp all the olfactory notes. All wines have aromas that can be traced back to more than 200 different types of substances present in even minute quantities in the wine, the combination of which produces an aromatic bouquet that differs from wine to wine, but also, depending on storage conditions, from bottle to bottle.

The smell of corkis perhaps recognisable even to the inexperienced, whereas it can take several attempts to identify the countless fragrances that constitute the aroma of a wine.

Our practical advice on how to taste wine with the nose is to proceed in two three stages:

• at first,bring the rim of the goblet to your nose, inhale deeply and then move the glass away, trying to identify the most characteristic scent;
• subsequently,   swirl the glass;
• at this point, bring your glass closer to your nose and sniff again to pick up the different notes.

Taste

Wine tasting is the last step in tasting and consists mainly of evaluating the taste sensations that are perceived during the wine's stay in the oral cavity. The different substances present in the wine interact with the taste buds of the tongue producing stimuli that are then passed in the form of nerve impulses to the brain. In addition, the gums and oral cavity are subject to 'tactile' stimuli that in turn produce sensations, which are then sent to the brain in the form of impulses.

How do we proceed?

The sip must be discreet and be done by trying to swallow as little air as possible. Taste the wine with your whole palate, not just your tongue, making sure to distinguish, in addition to the flavour of course, the consistency and viscosity, and hold it in your mouth for as long as you need. Wait a few seconds to make sure of the aftertaste.

If you want to put our tips on wine tastingour wine cellar is happy to host you for various tasting tours in the company of professional sommeliers.

The magic of a castle nestled in the Tuscan hills: discover Castello Banfi's packages and enjoy a unique experience of wine and relaxation.

Castello Banfi: the resort in the Tuscan hills

Tuscany is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for Italian and foreign tourists, especially for those who are looking for a relaxing weekend away from city stress or who want to experience close contact with nature, but without sacrificing comfort and good food. The ideal solution for visiting the land of Brunello and Chianti is to look for a resort immersed in the Tuscan hills.

Tuscan hills and resorts

The Tuscan hills are one of the symbols of this region, not only because the landscape is predominantly hilly, but because of the synergy that has been created over the centuries between man and the land. When we think of the Tuscan hills, in fact, the first image that comes to mind is not that of uncultivated and wild nature, but that of orderly rows of vines, fragrant groves of olive trees, cultivated fields and small villages, in a perfect blend of natural and man-made landscape.
And, amidst the beauty of the hills in Tuscany, there are agritourisms and resorts, excellent accommodation facilities that are perfectly integrated into the landscape, indeed, able to enhance it even more. One example is the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, an accommodation facility in the Tuscan hills in the village of Poggio alle Mura.

Castello Banfi

Staying at Castello Banfi means experiencing the magic of a castle without giving up the authenticity of Tuscany, waking up every day in an enchanting medieval village, strolling through vineyards and olive groves, delighting the palate with good wine and traditional food, and enjoying Tuscan hospitality.

The magic of a castle

Castello Banfi is a fascinating fortress built between the 9th and 13th centuries on an ancient Roman villa, in a privileged position between Siena and the Maremma. Tourists looking for a resort in the hills of Tuscany cannot help but admire this imposing and elegant silhouette towering among the green hills and cultivated fields, as evocative and fascinating as that of a fairytale castle.

And the atmosphere one breathes is that of a fairytale, making this castle the ideal destination for those in search of a romantic holiday in Tuscany. Castello Banfi Wine Resort, in fact, offers the possibility of staying in the beautiful Hotel Il Borgo, a refined and exclusive structure with beautiful rooms and suites furnished in the Tuscan style and equipped with all comforts.

In the old cellars of the castle is La Taverna, a characteristic restaurant where you can breathe in an atmosphere of times gone by and where you can taste traditional Tuscan dishes made even more authentic and delicious by the use of fresh and genuine ingredients grown right in the Tuscan hills.

In the shadow of the castle is the elegant La Sala dei Grappoli (starred) restaurant, where the authenticity of old-fashioned flavours meet the creativity and ingenuity of our chef, and where you can treat yourself to a truly unique culinary experience.

Lots of outdoor activities

Castello Banfi also has an 'adventurous' and lively side: there are many sports activities to do while staying at this resort in the Tuscan hills, and they are suitable for everyone. Those who want to be in close contact with nature cannot miss the beautiful horseback rides or mountain bike excursions in the Val d'Orcia, while those seeking relaxation in the shade of the castle can take advantage of the various massages that can be booked at the resort.

Golf is also one of the activities that can be enjoyed in the area. For our guests, we personally organise a day or half-day at one of the golf courses in the area, taking care of the bookings and organisation, and leaving the guests with nothing but the fun.

Glass productionIts history, processing stages and other curiosities on how glass is made. Find out more about Castello Banfi!

When talking about wine, one cannot fail to refer also to the objects that contain it, in particular bottles or goblets. In fact, in some cases, the expression 'a good bottle' is used to indicate a good wine, while for wine goblets and glasses there is a real classification, since each wine deserves its own type of goblet that best enhances its characteristics.

Glass production: processing steps and other curiosities

To arrive at the production of glass goblets like those used today, a long way has been travelled. Although this material has been used since ancient times, it was not until Roman imperial times that it was systematically used for the production of glasses and bottles.
For those who want to admire the evidence of this long creative and artisanal journey, there is no more fascinating and evocative place than the Bottle and Glass Museum. Located at the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, this museum named after G. F. Mariani houses ancient artefacts and pieces of modern art that bear witness to the various stages in the history of glass production.
History of glass at a glance

Man has been able to work with glass since the 3rd millennium B.C.: in Mesopotamia, glass pastes were used for decorative purposes, while from the 7th-6th century B.C. in Phoenicia and Greece, jars for perfumes and ointments and glass jewellery began to be produced.

As already mentioned, a real glass industry arose in Roman times, around the 1st century AD, when craftsmen began to use the technique of glassblowing (imported from Middle Eastern regions) to make objects more similar to those used today, such as glasses, bottles, oil lamps and in some rare cases window panes.
The golden years of glassmaking in Italy are those of the Middle Ages, when glass was used to make magnificent stained glass windows that still adorn churches and cathedrals throughout Europe, and when the craftsmen of Murano retired to their island to jealously guard the secrets of their glassmaking technique.

Glass production stages

But what is glass made from? What are the substances that form the basis of this material? Glass is an amorphous solid, i.e. with an unordered crystal lattice, and is obtained by the solidification of a liquid, without subsequent crystallisation. In most cases, glass paste is obtained from silicon oxide (SiO2), a material with a very slow crystallisation rate and a relatively high melting point (1,800°C).
Due to the high energy costs of maintaining furnaces at this temperature, it is preferred to obtain glass from other recycled glass, which has lower melting temperatures.

Glass processing stages

Glass processing needs several steps. The first stage concerns the preparation of the materials: the silica sand is sieved and dried (and possibly mixed with other chemical components depending on the finish to be obtained), while, in the case of recycled glass, secondary substances must be separated.
The next stage is melting, which takes place in temperature-controlled furnaces at around 1,600°C. The glass mixture is then cut and directed into a mould.
The third stage is moulding, during which the glass acquires its predetermined shape, such as that of a bottle. The vitrified paste is received by a mould and adheres to the walls, taking its external shape thanks to a pressing action. Blowing then takes place, whereby the glass creations are given their final shape and the empty space inside.

The Bottle and Glass Museum

The ideal place to immerse yourself in the history of glass is, as we said, the Bottle and Glass Museum at Castello Banfi Wine Resort.
The collections of this museum are among the richest in the world, as they span several centuries of history, from the Roman halls to Picasso's glass masterpiece and fascinating Venetian glass.
The layout of the five rooms has been carefully designed to give visitors an immersive and evocative experience, not only because they will find themselves walking through an exceptional location such as the stables and the old oil mill of a medieval fortress, but also because they will be able to follow the evolution of the history of wine glasses in the very land where the best wine is produced: the hills of Tuscany in the Montalcino area.

Museum exhibits

The Roman collection includes glass paste artefacts dating back to the 5th and 4th centuries B.C., blown glass jars and containers for balsams and ointments from the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D., and blown glass bottles and jugs from the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. This is one of the most fascinating and extensive collections, which have recently regained their ancient splendour thanks to restoration work carried out at the San Giovanni Valdarno Glass Laboratory in Arezzo.
The collection of Venetian and Murano glass has been enriched in recent years by two great masterpieces purchased by the Banfi Foundation: a 16th century 'reticello' basket and a large display glass with enamelled brass elements.
Finally, among the modern works of art in glass, one can admire Pablo Picasso's beautiful 'Carrier', a unique testimony to the multifaceted nature of this artist.

About the Museum

The Museum is open all year round, so if you are on holiday in and around Montalcino you will always have the opportunity to visit it and satisfy your curiosity about the history of glass production. From 9 March to 12 November, the rooms are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., while from 12 November to 9 March they are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the Enoteca Banfi at a cost of EUR 4, and reductions are available for those entitled.

Wines made from Chardonnay have always been synonymous with quality and excellence. Chardonnay is a white grape variety that gives rise, depending on the vinification method, to different types of winestill, passito and sparkling wines. What kind of wine is made from Chardonnay? And what are the features of its grapes?

Characteristics of the Chardonnay grape variety

As a first step, let us analyse the characteristics of the Chardonnay grape variety. Among the most important peculiarities of the Chardonnay grape variety is undoubtedly its great versatility. In fact, this grape variety, originally from Burgundy, is now widespread throughout the world, not only in typical wine-growing areas such as the France and Italybut also in South Africa and New Zealand.

Depending on the area of cultivation, certain scents may change, become more refined.

Chardonnay: organoleptic characteristics

As for the Organoleptic characteristics of Chardonnay wineit immediately stands out for its straw yellow colourwith more or less intense reflections depending on the production area.

Perfume is a mix of floral and fruity noteswhite and yellow flowers, as well as notes of peach, apple, pear and in some cases (if grown in very hot areas) tropical fruits can be detected. On the palate it presents well structured, enveloping and with a good balance between savouriness and aciditythe finish is persistent and elegant hints of vanilla.

Frequently asked questions about Chardonnay

In order to a thorough knowledge of ChardonnayIn addition to the organoleptic characteristics, it is also important to understand the most suitable pairings for this wine, its alcohol content and the prices associated with this variety, so as to be able to make a more informed choice of this wine and enjoy it to the full.

What to pair a Chardonnay wine with?

Chardonnay wine, thanks to its characteristics, goes very well with all fish dishesboth first and second courses, especially if they are elaborate and tasty. A good combination is also with white meatgrilled or baked, and accompanied by light sauces. Finally, Chardonnay is also a excellent aperitif wine, to be served with mature cheeses and jams.

How many degrees does the Chardonnay have?

In the case of the Fontanelle Toscana IGT by Banfi the alcohol content of Chardonnay is around 13°.

What is the price of Chardonnay wine?

Answering the question "what is the price of a Chardonnay wine"This is not easy, as there are many variables at play. They influence the area of origin, the type of wine ranging from still to champagne and more, the vintage, and the place of purchase.

 

How to organise a wine tasting tour in Tuscany? Here are all the tips: how it works, where to go and for how many days.

Wine tours in Tuscany: how it works and how to organise it

Until a few years ago, it was still considered a niche activity, aimed at experts and connoisseurs, whereas now it is also very popular among amateurs: we are talking about the wine tour in Tuscany.
In fact, more and more tourists, both Italian and foreign, are choosing to go on a wine tasting tour in Tuscany, the land of Brunello and Chianti and home to some of the peninsula's major wineries. A wine tour is an experience to be tried at least once in one's life, immersive and educational, offering the chance not only to taste fine wines but also to learn a great deal about this product and how it is made, from harvesting to bottling.

Wine tours in Tuscany: how does it work?

What should one expect from a wine tour in Tuscany? It is a type of experience that can be planned for a single day, a weekend or even several weeks, depending on the area chosen and the number of wineries you wish to visit. Although the booking can be managed independently or with the help of a travel agency, the experience is always entrusted to the host winery.

Visiting the vineyards

One of the most evocative parts of the tour is undoubtedly the visit to the vineyards, where the vineyard attendants will show you the different types and varieties of grapes, cultivation techniques and the history of the region, which, in the case of Tuscany, is also intertwined with Italian art and literature. Between the rows of vines and the ripe bunches of grapes, you can enjoy the beauty of the region, the magic of the ripening grapes and the spectacle of the hills and medieval villages unfolding before your eyes.

A visit to the cellar

Next, it is time for the cellar, the beating heart of every winery, where the production process takes place and where, like in a treasure chest, the historic and vintage bottles rest. Here, the guide will tell you how each wine is made, from the fermentation process to ageing, illustrating how modern technology is always side by side with tradition and history. This part of the wine tour in Tuscany is certainly the most informative and fascinating, a unique experience to admire the secrets of the wineries up close.

Wine Tasting

Finally, the part that all lovers of good wine are waiting for: the actual tasting. Depending on the package or menu chosen, the wine cellar will offer a selection of wines, served in the most suitable glasses, and a sommelier will help you taste them with your eyes, nose and mouth. In many cases, wine tasting is also accompanied by the tasting of local gastronomic products.
Wine Tour in Tuscany: how to organise it by following a few simple rules

Here are some tips on how to organise a wine tour in Tuscany.

• Choosing the time of year

The choice of period in which to organise your wine-tasting tour in Tuscany is very important, not only because different periods will allow you to admire the landscape in different seasons, but also because the activities you can attend during your visit may change. September is undoubtedly the ideal month, because you can witness - and sometimes even participate in - the grape harvest, while summer is suitable for admiring the grapes at their peak of ripeness. The winter months are less recommended, as some farms may be closed or work reduced hours.

• Visit a few cellars at a time

If your tour is short, we advise you not to aim to visit as many wine cellars as possible: choose a few, but quality ones. A few carefully selected wineries, to be visited at most one or two per day. This is because each winery has its own story to tell and its own wonders to show you, and it is only right that you enjoy the experience with all the necessary calm.

• Private or chauffeur-driven car

If you do not have your own car, in order to enjoy the wine tour experience in Tuscany in complete relaxation, we recommend hiring a private driver who can drive you from winery to winery, if you plan to visit more than one winery, or who can drive you in the morning and pick you up at the end of the visit.

Wine tasting tour in Tuscany at Castello Banfi

Castello Banfi Wine Resort organises wine tours in Tuscany for all wine enthusiasts, offering different types of guided tours and wine tasting menus that will satisfy even the most demanding palates, for a magical experience to be lived in the shadow of the ancient Banfi Castle in Poggio alle mura, inside the Banfi estate.

Guided tours of the cellar

Guided tours of the Banfi winery are held both in the morning and in the afternoon. In the morning, the tour departing at 11 a.m. also includes lunch, and you can choose between a three-course or a four-course tasting menu (with accompanying selected wines). The afternoon tour, on the other hand, includes a tasting of four wines.

In addition to these proposals, there is also the possibility of booking a private two-hour wine tour that adds a visit to the Balsameria and lunch at the La Taverna restaurant to the visit to the vineyards and the cellar.

What features must a wine resort have to offer an unforgettable experience amidst Tuscan hills and wines? All the advantages of Castello Banfi.

Wine resorts in Tuscany, choose the best

If you are looking for a holiday of relaxation and good food in the Tuscan hills, a wine resort is the ideal experience. Staying at a wine resort in Tuscany means immersing oneself in the beauty of an unparalleled landscape, amidst the scent of ripe grapes and fairytale castles, enjoying the best wines of the area.

The wine resort phenomenon is relatively recent in Italy and represents an exclusive type of holiday. Within a few years the number of wine resorts in Tuscany and the rest of the country will grow. In Tuscany alone there are as many as 65 structures that meet the requirements of structures identified as wine resorts. After all, we are talking about the land of Chianti and Brunello, in an area where good wine, hospitality and beautiful landscapes are certainly not lacking.

Wine resort: what is it?

But what is a wine resort? For wine lovers, it is a place in which to explore the production lands of the finest labels, face to face with those who work there, enjoying first-class tastings surrounded by nature. For lovers of relaxation, it is a corner of paradise among the hills, where you can be pampered and spoiled while sipping a good wine, perhaps in a whirlpool bath. For couples, it is the ideal location in which to celebrate a special event, with a dinner of typical products and quality wine in fairytale settings such as castles and medieval villages.
In short, three characteristics a wine resort must have: hospitality, breathtaking scenery and, of course, good wine.

Wine resort: the characteristics

A wine resort is generally run by medium-large wineries that offer tourists, in addition to tastings of typical products and guided tours inside the cellars and vineyards, the possibility of staying in historic residences, old castles or restored mills.

Attention to detail is one of the characteristics that wine resorts must have: old structures are renovated and furnished in such a way as to preserve their ancient splendour, but at the same time offering all the comforts of a modern, luxury hotel. In fact, there is no lack of wine resorts with wellness centres, spas, gyms, swimming pools and everything that could make your stay even more comfortable. It is no coincidence that many resorts in Tuscany are chosen as locations for events and weddings.

Another fundamental characteristic that distinguishes a wine resort from a 'traditional' resort in the Tuscan hills is the inescapable link with wine. A holiday in such a resort is also an immersion in the world of wine and its production: at certain times of the year one can even participate in the grape harvest, as well as visit the wine cellars that often still preserve the ancient working tools, a priceless cultural and historical heritage.

Along with good wine, good food should not be forgotten. A stay at a wine resort in Tuscany is an experience that involves all the senses: many structures are in fact also Slow Food presidia where it is possible to taste the typical dishes of the region prepared by haute cuisine chefs according to tradition and with local products.

Finally, the landscape: the beauty of the Chianti and Brunello lands speaks for itself, with its sunny hills and rows of vines, blue skies and the scent of ripe grapes, fairytale villages and perched castles.

Hotel Castello Banfi Il Borgo, among the best wine resorts in Tuscany

One of the best wine resorts in Tuscany is Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a resort created within the walls of a medieval Tuscan castle, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and hills in the beautiful setting of Castello di Poggio alle Mura. This property, part of the Banfi winery, encompasses all the characteristics necessary to be an excellent wine resort, namely hospitality, good wine and beautiful scenery.

The rooms at the Hotel Castello Banfi Il Borgo, furnished by the famous interior architect Federico Forquet, are equipped with every comfort and are characterised by their attention to detail, fine fabrics and hand-decorated rooms. The common areas, such as the elegant Reading Room overlooking the castle courtyard or the modern wellness centre, are designed to pamper guests with every consideration. The restaurant

The Sala dei Grappoli, a very elegant room in the shadow of the historic Banfi Castle, allows guests to savour local excellence and traditional Tuscan cuisine, with seasonal tasting menus specifically designed to enhance the region's typical products, accompanied by the best selection of Banfi wines.

Finally, and it could not be otherwise since it is one of the best wine resorts in Tuscany, Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers its guests the opportunity to visit the Enoteca, an elegant Tuscan shop of yesteryear with fine Banfi labels as well as local gastronomic and artisanal products.

Which wine is drunk with fish? Among the various possibilities, the still or slightly sparkling white wine is an ideal choice. But why is it usual to opt for a white wine with fish? The answer is simple: because white wines are (generally) more delicate than reds and less full-bodied. Fish dishes, in fact, often have little flavour and red wine, which in many cases is rather full-bodied, would end up overpowering the taste of the dish rather than accompanying it. In addition, red wine, due to its high tannic load, has a tendency to dry out the palate, and a fish dish, which is usually dry and not very creamy, is not able to balance its effects, as is the case with very succulent red meats that are usually paired with red wines.

There are numerous labels on the market. If you are undecided on which one to choose, here are some tips to help you select the most suitable type of white wine for a fish lunch or dinner.

Sparkling wines

Among the white wines to accompany a fish hors d'oeuvre, such as a carpaccio or other fish crudités, the Sparkling wine is definitely a recommended option. In combination with an entrée of oysters, we suggest trying a bottle of Italian Chardonnay, a good alternative to the more classic champagne.

Among the white wines in the line Banfi Piemonte, a perfect label to enjoy with hors d'oeuvres, first courses with shellfish such as prawns, scampi and lobster, or filled pasta such as ravioli with sea bass is Banfi Brut. A great classic of the Banfi house, it is a wine with a fine and persistent perlage produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero grapes. We suggest serving it at a temperature of 8-10°C.

And for the sushi? This typical Japanese dish is increasingly becoming part of the diet of Italians, and true connoisseurs know that to enjoy it at its best, it must be accompanied by a good chalice of sparkling wine which can help 'degrease' some very rich or fried dishes. For example, we recommend you try our Cuvée Aurora, the sparkling wine made from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties from high hillside vineyards in Piedmont.

Still white wine for fish

On still white wine for fish is very versatile, as it can be combined with starters, first and second courses. The aperitif classic, the prawn cocktailbecomes even more chic and delicious when paired with a still white, such as the exclusive Vermentino La Pettegola of Banfi, as well as a seafood salad or octopus with potatoes can acquire more elegance and taste if paired with a good bottle of Centine Bianco Toscana IGT Banfi or Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG di Banfi.

Even for first courses, especially for risottos, the still white is the ideal accompaniment: its lightness enhances the taste of fish-based first courses without overpowering their smell or flavour. For the pastas with red or white sauces and with fish soups, a Sauvignon Blanc such as Banfi's Serena is the ideal choice, while for the creamy risottos a Pinot Grigio such as Banfi's San Angelo is preferable.

For main courses, however, you can follow this simple rule for choosing the perfect white wine for fish:

• structured wines for seafood, richer in flavour;
• younger, less structured wines for river fish.

The cooking method also influences the choice:

• for the steamed fish a young, light-bodied wine;
• for the cooking in sauce or on the grill better to opt for a well-structured white with a balanced taste.

For more elaborate dishes, the Fontanelle Chardonnay by Banfi is undoubtedly the ideal label to enhance the flavours.

Summer is one of the most pleasant times of the year to spend in company, strolling along the promenade or enjoying a pleasant dinner on the terrace. And at times like these you cannot miss fresh, light white wines to accompany dinner, especially fish dishes.

On white wine in summer in fact gives its best, because the low serving temperatures and the bubbles that often accompany the best bottles help to refreshing the palate and go well with hors d'oeuvres, first and second courses. I white wines are thirst quenchingwhich makes them more suitable for hot summer days.

Some tips on light white wines

Before discovering what are the light and fresh white wines of summer, it is important to make a few preliminary clarifications. Besides being, in most cases, thirst-quenching wines, they are often young winesvinified in temperature-controlled steel barrels, and poorly structured.

The ideal serving temperature is around 10-12°Cand therefore not too cool as for sparkling wines. We also recommend use an ice bucket to keep the bottle at temperature throughout dinner.

The type of chalice recommended for young, fresh white wines is the characteristic tulip shapei.e. with the opening wider than the body. This structure of the glass, which is slightly flared, allows the wine to reach directly on the tip of the tonguewhere the receptors of acidity and sweetness are located, characteristics that are particularly pronounced in these wines.

The three types of fresh, light white wines

Depending on the predominant organoleptic characteristic, one can distinguish light white wines into:

• fruity
• floral
• minerals

All three types are suitable for serving in summer, and the choice depends only on personal taste and preference.

The best white wines of summer

What are the light and fresh white wines to serve during the summer to make your grilled fish even more special or to liven up your seafood salad? Here is a selection of the best white wines of the summer.

1. La Pettegola Vermentino

On Vermentino is one of the freshest and lightest white wines most popular with Italians in summer, thanks to its important flavour reminiscent of the scent of the sea. And there is no better vermentino than the La Pettegola Banfi. Uncorking the bottle is like taking a dip on the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, immersed in the floral and spicy scent typical of the Mediterranean maquis, with particular notes of apricot and grapefruit. The palate is soft and persistent, fresh and well-structured, perfect with fish dishes.

2. Serena Sauvignon Blanc

Serena is the white wine from the Sauvignon Blanc variety from the Banfi vineyards. Perfect to drink in summer, it has an intense bouquet with citrus notes and goes excellently with fresh vegetable dishes as well as with more intensely flavoured recipes. Its suggested serving temperature is 10-12°C.

3. Fontanelle Chardonnay

Banfi's Fontanelle Toscana IGT is a Chardonnay deeply rooted in the Montalcino terroir and, like all chardonnays, is fresh and light, perfect to accompany a fish dinner. It is rich in very intense floral and fruity aromas, including notes of pear, apricot and sambuca. The structure is light and well balanced, with a lingering finish that leaves a fresh, characteristic hint of vanilla in the mouth.

4. White ribs

Centine Toscana IGT Banfi is a fresh and light wine that is extremely versatile, perfect to accompany seafood first courses such as spaghetti allo scoglio or rice with cuttlefish ink. It is very balanced in structure and flavouri, with a sweet balance of white fruit, citrus and floral notes.

5. San Angelo Pinot Grigio

The San Angelo Banfi is a Pinot Grigio which goes well with summer occasions and fish dinners, as it is a white wine thirst-quenching and savoury. It has an enveloping and intense aroma, bringing to mind the citrus groves of Sicily, with notes of apple and peach, and a balanced flavour with a lingering finish.

6. Princess Gavia Cortese

With Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG from Banfi you will never go wrong if you are looking for a good white wine in summer. This wine of great tradition Piedmontese is indeed fresh and intense in both aroma and taste. On the nose, hints of lime and golden apple can be detected, while in the mouth there is an unusual softness balanced by a hint of acidity on the finish.

Hundreds has always been synonymous with quality, tradition and innovation: it embodies the unique taste of the finest Tuscan grapes and an impeccable processing method. Drinking a glass of Hundreds it is like looking out of a window overlooking the hills of Tuscany, feeling the warmth of the sun, the strength of an earth rich in clay and calcium and the colour of the blue sky on your palate.

Here are the types of Ribs (red, white and rosé) and the most suitable pairings.

Red Ribs: Characteristics and Combinations

On Centine Rosso Toscana IGT has an unmistakable deep red colour, mauve highlights and a fresh and delicate fragrancewith floral and slightly spicy notes, enriched with a hint of liquorice, tobacco and vanilla. The palate is full and soft, with hints of blackberry and ripe cherryhas a full-bodied structure and well-balanced acidity; the final is intense and appreciated even by non-connoisseurs.

For the production of Centine Rosso, a blend of red varietiesfor a wine rich in personality and flavour. La fermentation takes place in steel vats temperature-controlled, with a short period in French oak barrels to amplify the flavour.

The Red Hole should be served at a temperature of around 16°-18°. and is also perfect to accompany simple aperitifsas it is extremely versatile. To make the most of it, we recommend combining it with decisive and tasty first coursessuch as pici al cinghiale prepared according to Tuscan tradition or a main courses of meatparticularly barbecued.

Alongside this traditionally Italian red is another exceptional red: the Varietal ribsalso perfect for a special evening or an everyday lunch. The Centine Varietal is made from grapes of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese varieties, the best in the Tuscan and international tradition, ripened in August and September to catch the warm rays of the sun.

White Ribs: Characteristics and Combinations

On Centine Bianco is characterised by its immediate freshness and great versatility in pairings. It has a straw-yellow colour with greenish highlights and a fragrance reminiscent of Sicilian citrus groves, given its hint of citrus and white fruit. The palate is very softwith a hint of acidity and a savouriness on the finish that makes it unmistakable.

For the production of Centine Bianco, grapes are used Chardonnay and Vermentino. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled steel vats.

Pairing a Centine Bianco is extremely simple, given the great versatility of this wine, which can accompany even the simplest everyday meal, thanks to its good structure, freshness and lightness. It goes perfectly with fish first and second coursesIt is ideal, in fact, to accompany a steamed slice of fresh fish or octopus with potatoes. An excellent combination is also with cold pasta saladone of the most popular dishes for a summer dinner with friends. We recommend serve chilled (10°-12°) in a tall, wide chalice.

Rosé Hundreds: Characteristics and Pairings

On Centine Rosé is a wine with an elegant colour and balanced taste that is perfectly suited to every occasion. To the eye, it is pale pink with light golden reflections; to the nose, it is reminiscent of the typical fragrances of Sangiovese, red fruits and cherry in particular; on the palate it is balancedwell structured and with a savoury and persistent finishthanks to the minerals that characterise it.

For the production of Centine Rosé, grapes from the Sangiovese and Merlot varieties. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, separately for the Sangiovese and Merlot, while ageing always takes place in stainless steel vats with resting on the lees for at least two months.

The Centine Rosé is a must-have in the cellars of wine lovers, as it can enhance any dish and impress guests with its elegant balance of flavours. It goes perfectly with fish first and second courses but it is also excellent as an accompaniment to white meat or to the fresh cheeses. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 10°-12°.

Connoisseurs know it well: nothing goes well with good wine as the jazz musicwhose warm and vibrant notes warm the heart, just as an excellent Brunello or Chianti wine captivates the palate. The marriage of jazz and wine can be described as historic, especially in Montalcino, the land of Brunello and Moscadello, where for the past 25 years the Jazz & Wine in Montalcinoa festival dedicated to music and wine, conceived by the Banfi winery together with the Rubei family of the Alexander Platz in Rome and the Municipality of Montalcino.

In the breathtaking setting of the Montalcino Fortress and for the opening night on 19 July at Castello Banfi, internationally renowned jazz artists will perform live every night, in a programme full of excitement and novelties, thanks to the artistic direction of Eugenio Rubei. 

Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022: the programme

On Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022 programme begins the 19 July in an exceptional location: the historic Castello Banfi, situated in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, in Poggio alle Mura, and will continue throughout the week inside the evocative Montalcino Fortress, until the grand closing on Sunday 24 July. Every evening, starting from 21.45jazz music will be the undisputed star of Montalcino evenings, and will only share its stage with good wine.

Events - 19 July

The first artist to take the stage will be Jacques Morelenbauminternationally renowned cellist, who will warm the air with his warm and passionate Brazilian jazz. With him, Lula Galvão on guitar, Rafael Barata on drums and Paula Morelenbaum on vocals. The opening evening of Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022 will be held at the Castello Banfia romantic and charming setting, known and appreciated by wine lovers and ready to be discovered by those who have never been there before.

Events - 20 July

On the second day, the location changes, but the atmosphere is no less impressive: to host the famous jazz musician Ron Carter (accompanied by Jimmy Greene on sax, Renee Rosnes on piano and Payton Crossley on drums) will be the Fortress of Montalcino.

Events - 21 July

On the third day, 21 July, there will be a performance by theAlexanderplatz National Orchestra conducted by Maestro Franco Piana and born on the initiative of Eugenio Rubei, artistic director of Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022. The evening continues on the notes of guitarist and composer Francesco Bruno & his 4et with the project Blue sky above the dreamers.

Events - 22 July

The fourth day is a very important stage for all fans: Richard Galliano, the French jazz musician famous throughout the world for revolutionising the history of jazz thanks to his interpretation with the accordion, will celebrate his 50th career with a live concert at Jazz & Wine in Montalcino in Fortezza.

Events - 23 July

On the fifth day, you can again immerse yourself in the hot Brazilian summer, to the rhythm of the bass of John Patituccibattery of Rogerio Boccato and the guitar of Yotam Silberstein. This formidable trio has managed to fuse the liveliness of Brazilian music with the passion and emotional intensity of chamber music, for a reinterpretation of the very concept of jazz.

Events - 24 July

The last day is dedicated to Paolo Rubei, who recently passed away: to pay tribute to him, on stage at the Montalcino Fortress, his lifelong friend Mario Biondi, special guest of Daniele Scannapieco 5etan energetic quintet combining the energy of jazz with the sweetness of soul.

Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022: Banfi wine tasting

At Jazz & Wine in Montalcino 2022 there is of course not only music but also the good wine. The event is born on the initiative of the Banfi winery who, together with the Rubei family (responsible for the artistic side), every year devote themselves with care and professionalism to theorganisation of the entire eventoffering all enthusiasts the opportunity to tasting the best wines of the region.

The proposal of Banfi is refined, exclusive and focuses on both wines profoundly linked to the Montalcino territory, as well as the world-famous Tuscan excellences, such as Chianti, without forgetting some renowned sparkling and still Piedmontese appellations.

Among the wines that go best with theJazz soul of Montalcino there is certainly the Brunelloa wine with a sweet, fruity bouquet like a night spent under the stars listening to great artists, or the Moscadellowith a fresh and sparkling aroma that harmonises well with the lively notes of Brazilian jazz music, or the Rosso di Montalcinoideal to accompany typical local dishes such as pappardelle with rabbit ragout or truffles.