Whether it is a romantic dinner or a toast with the family, here is how to work out how many glasses there are in a bottle of wine.

How many glasses can be made from a bottle of wine?

A family lunch, business dinner or special occasion should always be accompanied by a good bottle of wine that matches the menu and the guests' tastes. Furthermore, for a successful dinner, it is important to know how many glasses with a bottle of wine one can serve, so that an adequate number of bottles can be opened.

Wine, in fact, unlike other beverages such as beer or fizzy drinks, must never fill the glass completely but follow precise rules depending on the type of glass used and the wine chosen, in order to bring out the best of its aroma, texture and flavour.

To every wine its own glass

The art of bringing wine to the table and matching it to specific courses is not limited to the choice of the bottle but also concerns the choice of the type of goblet and the right amount of wine to pour into it, so that you know in advance how many goblets you can fill with a bottle of wine.

The most commonly used type of wine glass is the tulip-shaped goblet, which is suitable for both white wines and classic reds. For aged red wines, on the other hand, a chalice with a bellied bowl is preferred, so that the wine can breathe further to release its bouquet of aromas and flavours.

For sparkling and very sparkling wines, the ideal goblet is the flûte, with its tall, slender bowl that allows the perlage of this type of wine to be appreciated. Lastly, glasses for dessert wines are smaller than the traditional ones and have a characteristic shape: the bellied bowl to enhance the aromas and the narrow opening to bring them directly to the nose.

How many glasses with a bottle of red or still white wine

Red wines or still whites are the most popular on Italian tables, so it is important to know, for example, how many glasses you can get from a 750 ml bottle.

The rule is that the tulip-shaped wine glass should never be filled completely but only one third full and never more than two thirds full. This allows the wine to release its range of aromas and flavours, as well as allowing connoisseurs to test its brightness of colour and consistency.

As mentioned above, still white wines and young reds should be served in medium-sized tulip glasses, and structured reds in slightly larger tulip glasses. In any case, the ideal amount of wine to be poured is about 150 ml. Consequently, a standard 750 ml bottle yields 5/6 glasses of wine.

How many glasses with a bottle of sparkling wine?

For sparkling wine glasses or flûtes, the quantity to be poured into the glass for a perfect and elegant toast is always about 150 ml, since the rule is to fill the 90% of the flûte. Thus, a 750 ml bottle of sparkling wine, for example, yields about 5 glasses.

Dessert wines: how many glasses

The bottles of passito or dessert wines are discreetly smaller (generally 500 ml) than those of serving wines, and this also applies to the glasses: smaller and specially shaped. The quantity of wine to be poured is about 90 ml, almost half the size of the goblet. You can therefore make 5/6 glasses.

The tasting glass

A separate note concerns the moment of tasting, e.g. when visiting wineries. The International Organisation for Standardisation codified in 1970 the measurements of the tasting goblet used during official events, called the ISO goblet.

This goblet has a special shape, with a medium-sized belly and a narrower opening than it, which allows perfect concentration of the aromas. For a tasting, the quantity of wine poured should be about 50 to 100 ml. Consequently, from one bottle you can get between 7 and 15 glasses about.

During your stay at Castello Banfi don't miss a visit to Tuscany's most picturesque villages. Here are our recommendations.

5 villages not to be missed in Tuscany

Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca are cities rich in art and history that attract tourists from all over the world. However, the cities of art are not Tuscany's only attraction. On the contrary, more and more Italian and foreign travellers are choosing to escape the big cities and take refuge in the tranquillity of Tuscan villages, fairy-tale places where time seems to stand still.

The number of small villages to visit in Tuscany is very large: some famous, such as Montalcino, others lesser known but equally evocative, such as Rocca d'Orcia, are ideal destinations for those who love walking through narrow streets and stone stairways, for those who want to admire breathtakingly beautiful landscapes all year round, and for those who want to retrace the history of the Chianti and Brunello region.

The most beautiful villages to visit

Whether surrounded by hills planted with vineyards and olive groves, or perched around a medieval fortress, here are some of the most beautiful villages to visit in Tuscany in the vicinity of Castello Banfi Wine Resort.

Montalcino

Montalcino owes its fame to the famous Brunello and other fine wines that are born on the hills surrounding this village, as well as being one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany to visit. In fact, it is a place full of charm, with evocative landscapes and historical monuments, but also culturally lively, not only for those who love good wine.
The main point of interest is the imposing fortress of Montalcino, a fortress that dominates the valley below and which in the summer becomes the exceptional location for Jazz & Wine in Montalcino. Other must-sees are the Duomo of Montalcino, which houses a beautiful pipe organ, and the Palazzo dei Priori (now the town hall), with its tall, narrow tower typical of municipal architecture.

Sant'Angelo in Colle

A few kilometres from Montalcino lies the medieval village of Sant'Angelo in Colle, one of the Tuscan villages to visit when travelling in this region. The village stands on a hill in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, surrounded by vineyards and cultivated land.
Tourists who enter the gates of this village will feel as if they have stepped back in time: they will be welcomed by a large stone tower (this is what remains of the ancient city walls), they will be able to stroll through the medieval alleyways and admire the small Piazza Castello, with its churches and historical buildings, the beating heart of artistic, cultural and gastronomic tourism in this Tuscan village.

Castiglione d'Orcia

Castiglione d'Orcia offers those visiting the villages of Tuscany one of the most breathtaking views in Italy: in its hamlet of Rocca d'Orcia stands the Rocca di Tentennano, a once impregnable fortress along the Via Francigena and today an exceptional vantage point from which to admire the hills of Tuscany from above.
The village looks like a picture postcard landscape, with rural houses climbing the hill around the Rocca Aldobrandesca, symbol of the feudal family that ruled these lands and now emblem of the village itself.

Santa Fiora

The village of Santa Fiora is a small jewel set in the Tuscan hills, surrounded by chestnut trees and watered by the Flora river. It is an ideal destination for those who want to take a dip into the past and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Among the small Tuscan villages to visit, that of Santa Flora is in fact an interesting combination of history and wilderness: walking through the uphill lanes, you can admire the terziere di Castello, the oldest part of the historic centre with its fortifications, or you can dedicate yourself to trekking and hiking on the nearby Monte Amiata.

Castello di Poggio alle Mura, today better known as 'Castello Banfi'.

Poggio alle mura, in the province of Siena, is among the most characteristic villages to visit in Tuscany. Its history is very ancient, if one takes into account the remains of a Roman villa discovered right under the castle. Its heyday dates back to the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic position between the Maremma and the Val d'Orcia.

Visitors to this village in Tuscany cannot fail to be captivated by the beauty of Castello Banfi, a superb medieval stronghold perfectly integrated into the landscape, casting its reassuring shadow over the entire hamlet. The castle currently houses the Museo della Bottiglia e del Vetro (Museum of the Bottle and Glass) named after J. Mariani, where some unparalleled glass artefacts from the Roman era and Picasso's beautiful 'Portatrice' are kept.

Where to stay to visit villages in Tuscany?

Within the village of Poggio alle mura is the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a luxury hotel with every comfort, a perfect place to stay to visit the surrounding Tuscan villages and enjoy the region's gastronomic delicacies.
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, in the heart of the Banfi estate, Hotel Il Borgo offers the opportunity to stay in elegant rooms tastefully furnished in perfect Tuscan style and to relax in the shade of Castello Banfi by swimming in the beautiful heated outdoor pool or savouring a glass of Banfi wine on the panoramic terrace as your gaze wanders over the beauty of this Tuscan village.

When does the grape harvest start in Tuscany? And in the other regions of Italy? Find out more about the best period for the grape harvest.

When is the grape harvest in Tuscany?

Tuscany is one of Italy's most beautiful regions, not only for its cultural and culinary attractions, but also for its scenic beauty: depending on the season, one can admire scenery that is always different, and all breathtakingly beautiful.

One of the landscapes that attracts more and more tourists is the lush Tuscan hills, where rows of grapes stretch out and where the most elegant wine resorts, such as Castello Banfi, are located. An ideal time of year to visit Tuscany is during the grape harvest.

The grape harvest in Tuscany is mainly carried out in September and October. The exact dates vary each year, however, since the ripening of the grapes depends on various factors, which often cannot be predicted well in advance. During the months preceding the harvest, experts study the bunches of grapes to determine when they will reach the ideal degree of ripeness.
Moreover, not all grapes ripen at the same time: there are early and late varieties. Early grapes, such as those of the Chardonnay variety, are harvested in early September, and in some cases, if the climate is favourable, even during the month of August.

Late grapes, on the other hand, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, are harvested towards the end of September and during the first fortnight of October.

The TuscanyDue to the variety of its landscape and related climatic conditions and soil characteristics, it hosts vines with different ripening periods. Depending on the characteristics of the vineyard, therefore, the harvest can take place from late August to early October.

When is the grape harvest in other regions of Italy?

Again, the harvest period depends on the variety of grapes and climatic factors. In Sicily, for example, the harvest starts as early as the beginning of August for those grapes that will later be used for the production of sparkling wine, while in some areas of Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige, one waits until November.

How to know when to harvest?

Climate change, the disappearance of the half-season and the sudden and often violent rains that are becoming increasingly frequent even in the winter months are putting vines and winegrowers to the test. Higher temperatures can bring the ripening period forward, but also change certain aromatic and chemical characteristics of the grapes and, consequently, of the wines.
That is why, in order to know when to harvest, it is necessary to assess the ripeness of the grapes on site. There are several elements to take into account to know whether the bunch is ripe or not, and there are mainly two:

• colour,
• ratio of acids to sugars.

The colour depends on the type of grape variety: ripe white grapes are amber-yellow in colour (they are green when ripe), while red grapes are black when ripe (pale pink when unripe).
As far as the ratio of acids to sugars is concerned, ripe grapes will have a higher concentration of sugars and a lower concentration of acids.

Tradition and technology to know when to harvest

The most traditional method of assessing the ripeness of grapes, and thus when harvesting, is the sensory analysis of grapes, which is carried out by choosing three sample berries from the vineyard:

1. As a first step, a tactile analysis is performed by squeezing the berry between the fingers to assess its consistency: the softer it is, the riper it is;
2. We then move on to visual analysis. As mentioned earlier, an assessment is made as to whether the colour of the berry corresponds to expectations;
3. Finally, the taste examination is carried out, assessing the degree of acidity and tannic intensity of the skin.

Technology, on the other hand, is used to assess tonal acidity and the presence of sugars: more and more large companies are integrating traditional grape evaluation methods with analyses in specialised laboratories to make sure they pick the perfect moment at which to start the harvest.

Where to stay to attend the grape harvest in Tuscany?

Harvesting, therefore, is not just a simple harvest, but a true art, which is why it is truly fascinating and instructive to witness it.

Staying at a wine resort, such as Castello Banfi, wandering around the estate during harvest time, you may happen to witness the grape harvest and have a unique experience.

Harvesting at Castello Banfi, despite the large number of vines, is carried out partly by hand and partly by machine. The harvesting of Sangiovese, a late variety of vine compared to others, but unique and exclusive to the production of Brunello di Montalcino, takes place approximately in the last week of September. So if you want to be there when the grapes are harvested in Tuscany and stay at Castello Banfi Wine Resort, September is the ideal month.

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

On 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

On 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

On 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

On 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.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of the wines Italian reds most appreciated by connoisseurs all over the world. A wine of great depth and depth, with intense aromas and full, elegant flavour, it brings to mind the territory from which it comes.

For Brunello di Montalcino we prefer thepairing with dishes succulent with a strong and intense flavour, structured and rich in sauces.

Brunello di Montalcino: the wine's characteristics

On colour is deep ruby red with garnet-coloured highlights, making it unmistakable even at first glance. The perfume is very sweet, with hints of fresh fruit that combine elegantly with notes of tobacco and liquorice. La structure is powerful, with an excellent balance between tannic charge and aciditywhich pleasantly tantalises the palate.

To achieve these characteristics, the best Sangiovese grapesmatured according to the timing dictated by nature on the hills of the Banfi estate, fermented at a controlled temperature in combined steel and Horizon French oak barrels for at least 2 years.

How to pair Brunello di Montalcino

Once the fine characteristics of this wine are known, the question arises "how to pair Brunello di Montalcino?"

This is not an easy wine to match because of its strong taste and important structure. As anticipated, the rules for pairing Brunello di Montalcino are basically two:

• do not choose dishes that are too delicate;
• prefer moist disheswith vigorous character sauces.

In fact, the strong presence of tannins might be a bit harsh to sensitive palates, thus creating an unpleasant feeling of dryness: sauces, gravies and creams help to diminish this sensation, creating a very pleasant and refined contrast of flavours.

Dishes with character, therefore, for a wine with just as much character.

Starters

Starting with hors d'oeuvres, the most suitable combination is with the mature cheeses and perfect those of the Val D'Orcia such as the Pecorino di Pienza matured in Barriquethe right combination to savour the taste of genuine Tuscany.

The first

All mushroom and truffle recipes go perfectly with Brunello di Montalcino, although the most recommended pairing is certainly with the pappardelle with wild boar ragout or with the picianother type of handmade pasta typical of Tuscany.

Meats

When it comes to meat, on the other hand, this wine is just as demanding: preference is given to the red meat, both wild and furry, prepared with sauces with a strong character and strong aromas.

One of the dishes of Tuscan cuisine to pair with Brunello di Montalcino is, for example, the peposoa very tender stew that cooks slowly for almost three hours in a copper pan, with a thick, enveloping sauce. Alternatively, this wine also pairs sublimely with the meat roasts.

Among the game recipes that go well with Brunello di Montalcino is undoubtedly the the duckseared and served on a reduction of onions and balsamic vinegar.

Sweets

How to pair Brunello di Montalcino with dessert? This signature red is not really a dessert wine, but its strong taste can be enhanced if accompanied by biscuits and dark chocolates with liquor filling.

Tips on how to serve Brunello di Montalcino

Finally, another important rule concerns the serving temperature and the goblet to be used for serving Brunello di Montalcino.

Since it is a very full-bodied wine, it is advisable to open it some time in advance, as well as to decant it into a crystal carafe before serving it at the table, if it is a vintage wine: the oxygen in the air will reawaken the qualities and aromas dormant during the long rest in the bottle.

The ideal temperature is 16-18°Cwhile the glass recommended must have a wide, pot-bellied shapeto accommodate all the fragrances that make up its inimitable perfume.

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.