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.

On Sangiovese is one of the most appreciated grape varieties by connoisseurs all over the world. If you are interested in learning more about the history and characteristics of this grape variety, the only specific course on Sangiovese in Italy is the Sanguis Jovis-Alta Scuola del Sangiovese training project organised by the Banfi Foundation.

Follow a course to get to know Sangiovese in Tuscany allows one to immerse oneself in its history, to study the characteristics of this vine and the impact it has had on the production territories, as well as to analyse its target market and much more.

Sanguis Jovis-High School of Sangiovese

Promoted by the Banfi Foundation, the Summer School of Sanguis Jovis- High School of Sangiovese has reached its fifth edition.

Course on Sangiovese in Tuscany

The course is at limited number and selections are made by public call. 20 student and professional places are available. In the category student include those under 30 who have graduated from university or obtained a master's degree less than 18 months ago and are unemployed; in the category professional include all those who, without age restrictions, work in professions preferably in the wine production-distribution-consumption and communication chains, in Italy or abroad.

The course includes 50 hours of teaching activities total of lectures, guided tours and evening debates and sees the participation of lecturers, academics, food and wine company managers and all those involved in the production-consumption chain. The aim of Sanguis Jovis, in fact, is to educate the Sangiovese connoisseurs of the new millennium at 360°, broadening their knowledge of both the wine and the world related to it.

The programme

On Summer School Programme is rich and includes five days of morning and afternoon classes on the history of Sangiovese, its territoriality, its distribution in Italy and around the world, and marketing operations to enhance this grape variety.

Lessons, from 10 to 15 July 2022are held at the headquarters of OCRA-Officine Creative dell'Abitare Montalcino. A visit to the Banfi winery is also planned, to see the cellars and vineyards, as well as a gala dinner to present the diplomas in the beautiful setting of Banfi Castle.

 

 

4 light, summery red wines to drink in summer

With the arrival of fine weather and higher temperatures, Italians' dining habits are changing, including their choice of wine. Just as people prefer cold and light dishes, so too fresh, fruity wines are preferred that can accompany a pasta salad or a mozzarella and tomato caprese, for example.

The rule is that white wine should be served chilled while red wine should be served at room temperature. However, every rule has its exception and this also applies to wine: there are red wines that can be served chilled. On the contrary, it is precisely at lower temperatures that they better express their olfactory and taste potential.

Not all reds, however, are suitable for serving fresh and accompanying summer lunches. Here is an in-depth look at which red wines can be drunk cold.

Characteristics of light summer red wines

Le characteristics of light summer red wines that make a bottle suitable for serving in summer are thearomaticity and theand harmonious acidity..

As for aromaticity, The greater the aroma and complexity of the bouquet of the wine to be refrigerated, the better the result. Many aromatic red wines improve their characteristics when served at a lower temperature. This is especially true for fruity wines, which are always appreciated fresh during the warmer months. They are indeed exuberant and lively, with low tannic power and intriguing red fruit notes. If you ask yourself "what wine can I have in summer?" the right answer is "a fruity red wine".

Finally, the wines with a good degree of acidity or persistent acidity on the finish, they are excellent served chilled, as the low temperatures enhance their freshness and lightness.

Some advice

Once the characteristics of light and fresh red wines have been analysed, however, it is good to follow some small precautions to avoid putting the wrong bottle in the fridge.

Speaking of the temperature of red wine in summer, the ideal temperature is 11°C/12°C. Lower temperatures, in fact, damage the bottles. For this reason, unlike whites, summer red wines should be placed in the refrigerator only a short time before being served at the table.

Also, if you want to make a good impression on your guests, it is inadvisable to serve a vintage or very old wine chilledBottles with a full-bodied flavour and a powerful, complex structure lose all their potency if placed in the refrigerator. Therefore prefer a younger wine.

Which light red wines are suitable for summer?

We have selected for you a list with in 4 best fresh red wines produced by Banfi to drink in summer. Let's go deeper characteristics and wine pairings Stilnovo, Centine Rosso, Col di Sasso and L'Altra di Banfi.

Stilnovo

Banfi Stilnovo by Banfi is a fresh and light red wine with an unmistakable style, perfect to accompany your summer dinners. Its structure is soft and delicate and the tannins are barely perceptible. What pleasantly tantalises the palate, however, is the perfect balance between acidity and fruity noteswhich are especially noticeable in the savoury and persistent finish.

Accompanies first and second courses typical Mediterranean dishesespecially the richer ones and sometimes even at the fish. The suggested serving temperature is 16°.

Centine Rosso

Also popular among the light, summery red wines is the Centine Rosso. This wine produced by Banfi with its spicy and floral notes has a well-balanced body and good acidity, making it perfect as a fresh wine to serve in summer. In addition to enhancing the meat dishesRed Hundreds goes very well with the aperitifs (charcuterie and cheese board) and with the grilled meat. The suggested serving temperature is 16°.

Col di Sasso

Among fresh red wines, Banfi Col di Sasso is one of the most appreciated for its versatility. The combination of the best varieties of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon gives rise to a wine with an intense and distinctive bouquet, with notes of liquorice harmoniously combined with hints of currant, wild strawberry and plum.

The Col di Sasso is perfect for a aperitif with friends over mature cheeses, perhaps to be enjoyed on the terrace while listening to good music, or for light meat dishes. The suggested serving temperature is 16°.

The Other

Finally, Banfi L'Altra - Barbera d'Asti DOCG wine is also perfect to accompany meat, especially the savoury red meat and the first courses with meat sauce. In fact, it is very well structured on the palate: the typical acidity of the Barbera variety is in harmony with the tannins and creates a pleasant and persistent finish, fresh and thirst-quenching, suitable for summer. The suggested serving temperature is 16°.

The Sustainability Report 2021, now in its sixth edition, has been available since 22 April.

The challenge of change is this year's common thread. "...a concept, in some respects a true strategic approach, linked by a double thread and from the very beginning to the history and successes of our company...", reads the incipit of the Lettera dal Territorio, written in six hands by the three presidents (Enrico Viglierchio - Banfi S.r.l., Remo Grassi - Banfi Società Agricola S.r.l., Rodolfo Maralli - Fondazione Banfi).

In the beginning, "...the challenge was to demonstrate that a new and dynamic entrepreneurial, productive and commercial approach, respecting the centuries-old values of the Italian wine-growing tradition, was possible... Today, also in the light of the continuous and sudden mutations that are characterising, as never before, this economic and social phase at an international level, the challenge to change has become a very topical and unfortunately indispensable theme.

Sustainability Report 2021: Themes

Among the main topics addressed in this edition is the important progress of 2021 turnover over 2020, the result of massive, timely and consistent corrective actions at the distribution and production level. In addition, 2021 saw the light of Direzione Futuro, a fundamental strategic corporate development project whose objective is to progressively return the company to the top of the international wine industry.

In 2021, Banfi also obtained Equalitas certification, the highest recognition in the field of sustainability in the wine sector, which includes the three social, economic and environmental pillars, the result of a long journey that began with the first certifications in the early 2000s. Another fundamental step, consistent with the company's commitment to the territory in which it operates, was joining the Territorial Alliance Carbon Neutrality of Siena.

To add to this, the WISWA 2021 sustainability award was bestowed upon Cristina Mariani-May, CEO and owner of Banfi, in recognition of her drive for corporate social responsibility, as well as her commitment to Banfi's ethical and sustainable production practices.

Cristina Mariani-May, in her Letter from the family, emphasises that the '...Sustainability Report, besides representing an extraordinary and effective snapshot of our actions and our relationship with the people and the territories in which we operate, is also an unmissable opportunity to reflect, all together, on the growing complexity of today's times and the challenges that the current change requires us to face. ...And sustainability, the pivotal theme of this interesting report, is increasingly a founding value of our actions, an ethical discipline that guides our path, with the ambitious intent, as my father recited years ago at the inauguration of the Montalcino winery, to leave future generations a healthier, more liveable and richer land than the one we found'..

For the second year, Banfi's Sustainability Report was subjected to limited assurance in accordance with the ISAE 3000 Revised standard. The audit, entrusted to Pricewaterhouse Coopers Business Services Srl, a leading company operating in the business consultancy sector, certifies the adherence of the contents of the document to the guidelines adopted for its preparation and consists of document collection activities, interviews with the management responsible for the preparation of the report, in-depth thematic analysis, checks on the calculations made and sample checks.

The Sustainability Report 2021 is available at the following link: www.www.banfi.it/it/sostenibilita

The colourful graphics of Van Orton Design wraps the bottle of Limited Edition 2022 of La Pettegola, Banfi's Vermentino.

La Pettegola, first produced in 2012, as of 2018 boasts a limited edition (only twenty thousand bottles for 2022) signed each year by internationally renowned artists and designers:

• 2018: Alessandro Baronciani
• 2019: Ale Giorgini
• 2020: Riccardo Guasco
• 2021: Elena Salmistraro

The association with design is strengthened for the fifth Limited Edition, thanks to the reinterpretation entrusted to the duo Van Orton. A pair of twin artists, Stefano and Marco, born in 1983, live and work in Turin. Their aesthetic is strongly influenced by pop culture, in particular the graphic and film culture of the 1980s and 1990s, in a psychedelic and playful throwback that they associate with the style of stained glass windows in Gothic churches, creating a unique and immediately recognisable mix. After their first years as graphic designers in a communication agency, their reinterpretations of some 80s film icons allowed Van Orton to get noticed quickly and collaborate in a few years with brands such as Marvel, Armani, Microsoft, Barilla, Mercedes-Benz, Warner-Bros, Ray-Ban and many others, as well as with musicians such as Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Jovanotti. Their works have been exhibited in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Milan.

The word 'gossip' immediately reminds us of the woman who loves to gossip about other people's business, but the gossip is also a very beautiful bird, with a red beak, long orange legs, and an ash-grey livery on its back and white on its belly, which lives along the Maremma coast and is so called because of the chattering of males in love.

"When Banfi proposed to us to create the new La Pettegola label, we immediately thought of who should be the protagonist of the artwork: a little bird!" say Van Orton. "We imagined him as the main character of a colourful and somewhat psychedelic video game, like the ones we used to spend hours with as children. Our gossip moves in a stylised Tuscan landscape, among hills, flowers, bunches of grapes, bicycles, incandescent sunsets: a mix of elements that restores all the energy of this imagery. We used a unique line, combined it with our bright colours and distinctive textures to create a design that represented us 100%'.

As with the two past editions, the Limited Edition 2022 label comes to life thanks to Augmented Reality, this time enriched by an incredible novelty: in addition to animating the micro-world created by Van Orton, some of the elements that compose it 'come out' of the confines of the bottle, trying to 'vanish' into the environment. As in a real video game, the user can stop them by tapping on them and thus discover what happens with each tap. To see the animated label, simply download the Banfi Experience app (Apple Store - Play Store) and frame the bottle.

Cristina Mariani -May, owner and CEO of Banfi, is the winner of the second annual WINWSA 2021 Sustainability Award.

The international competition aims to recognise those women, from the wine and spirits sector, who through their expertise and ability succeed in influencing the world to which they belong on a global level. The '50 list of excellence' is drawn up on the basis of four criteria: professional insight and achievement, impact, contribution and vision.

'Women In Wine And Spirits Award' to Cristina Mariani-May

The award to Cristina Mariani-May is a recognition of her ability to push Banfi's corporate social responsibility. Sustainability is a theme very dear to the Ilcinese company, which has always been committed to modern and sustainable practices.