Aprile 2009, Chalon en Champagne – Joseph Perrier, distribuito in Italia in esclusiva da Banfi, ha inaugurato la sua “Oenotheque – Una cantina privata del 20esimo secolo”, uno spazio interamente dedicato alle annate storiche della prestigiosa maison francese.

Joseph Perrier inaugurates his oenotheque

Accanto all’entrata principale delle cantine di Joseph Perrier, in una sala laterale che funge da galleria, è infatti possibile ammirare alcune delle bottiglie storiche dell’azienda. In una nicchia accuratamente ricavata dalla roccia naturale, riposano bottiglie e magnum delle migliori annate, dalla 1949 alla 1999.

Conservate “sur point”, ancora sui loro lieviti, queste bottiglie storiche sono in attesa di essere sboccate per occasioni davvero speciali; il tutto sotto lo sguardo del ritratto di Paul Pithois, nonno dell’attuale proprietario e Direttore Generale Jean-Claude Fourmon.

The linea di Champagne della maison comprende oggi ben 6 etichette, tutte distribuite in Italia da Banfi: Cuveé Royale Brut, Cuveé Royale Brut Rosé, Cuveé Royale Demi-sec, Cuveé Royale Millésimée, Cuveé Royale Blanc de Blancs, e l’esclusiva Cuveé Josephine. Prestigiosi vini che, ricordiamo, saranno in degustazione in occasione di Vinexpo, la fiera internazionale francese di altissimo prestigio che avrà luogo a Bordeaux dal 21 al 25 Giugno prossimi.

12 Marzo 2009 – Roma. Grandissimo successo di pubblico per il Banfi Day, la kermesse organizzata da Banfi in collaborazione con l’AIS presso l’Hotel Rome Cavalieri.

Roma: Banfi day, un grande successo!

La giornata, che ha aperto le porte dei Banchi d’Assaggio alle ore 16.30, ha dato la possibilità ai numerosi visitatori di degustare tutte le etichette di Banfi, Vigne Regali e dei marchi distribuiti, da Inniskillin allo Champagne, ai cileni di Concha y Toro e Punta Nogal.

Un percorso di degustazione davvero unico per gli oltre 600 ospiti, che hanno avuto la possibilità di apprezzare il meglio della tradizione di Castello Banfi, insieme alle etichette più recenti ed innovative.

Protagonista indiscusso dell’evento è stato il nostro Brunello di Montalcino “Poggio alle Mura”. Per la prima volta i numerosi partecipanti hanno, infatti, avuto l’opportunità di poter assaggiare questo straordinario vino in una verticale che ha ripercorso la sua evoluzione, partendo dall’anno dell’esordio, il 1997, fino all’ultima annata, la 2004, passando per la 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003.

Sette vendemmie che hanno dato la possibilità ai relatori – Enrico Viglierchio & Rudy Buratti per Banfi e Paolo Lauciani per AIS – di poter spiegare alla numerosa platea gli studi effettuati, i progetti, la filosofia di Banfi.

Montalcino, 28 January 2009 - Castello Banfi, in its tireless search for a balance between many years of experience and a constant vocation for the new, presents its latest project, the 'Centine Style'.

The historic label of the Hundreds Banfi becomes, in fact, a complete range that includes, in addition to the classic Rosso and the elegant Rosè, a fresh and balanced Bianco, the latest addition. Respect for tradition and the exaltation of the typicality of a territory, combined with innovative production techniques, thus become a philosophy, a style, which is transformed and highlighted in the classic and contemporary look, at the same time, sported by the new proposal.

Hundreds style! Banfi's historic label 'triples'.

Three wines, three different interpretations, three versatile and typically Tuscan products, deeply rooted in the Montalcino terroir and an expression of the unmistakable Banfi 'style'.

The Centine Rosso is a fruity, young wine with a good structure, where Sangiovese, the emblematic grape variety of Tuscan tradition, is combined with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Same grape varieties for the Rosé Ribbonswhose great aromatic expression and freshness are guaranteed by the innovative Stelvin closure.

And finally the latest, the Centine Biancoa blend of the three international grape varieties that have found their perfect habitat in Tuscany, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, a broad varietal composition that gives it structure and complexity and a rich aromatic expression.

In full compliance with the Banfi philosophy, the new range offers wines of the highest quality, offered at a truly inviting price and suitable for everyday tables.

Montalcino, 4 December 2008 - Castello Banfi presents a prestigious new label, the "Belnero"expression of the company's strong and indissoluble bond with the Montalcino terroir.

A wine that celebrates and exalts an entire territory, while at the same time highlighting the thirty-year commitment to quality that Banfi has pursued, uninterruptedly, in its constant quest for excellence, in the vineyard as well as in the cellar.

Belnero - the terroir of Montalcino in Banfi's new label

Belnero' is produced from predominantly Sangiovese grapes, the emblematic vine of Montalcino tradition, blended, from time to time, with those international varieties that have now found their natural habitat in this region.

The first vintage vinified was 2005. A great vintage that conferred elegance and expressiveness, together with an important and well-balanced structure, which makes Belnero ideal for long ageing, even though it can be enjoyed immediately.

Montalcino, 20 October 2008 - The Public Prosecutor's Office of Siena has ordered the release of the Brunello di Montalcino 2003 by Castello Banfiafter determining full compliance with the product specification.

The 2003 vintage is therefore once again fully available to meet the numerous requests that had come in from all over the world and remained unanswered during the months of the investigation phase. The next 2004 vintage will, as usual, be regularly available from February 2009.

Castello Banfi's Brunello di Montalcino 2003 seized

'The Prosecutor's decision definitively closes the case of Castello Banfi's Brunello,' says Cristina Mariani-May, owner of the well-known Montalcino winery, with satisfaction.

"With the definitive 'liberation' of our Brunello, we can finally return to devote ourselves, with renewed passion and dedication, to that tireless pursuit of excellence that has made us famous and appreciated throughout the world.

Rome, 10 October 2008 - New basement for the US Embassy in Italy. Also Castello Banfi is among the sponsors for the construction of the wine cellar of Villa Taverna, a beautiful residence of the US Ambassador to Italy.

The project, conceived by Ambassador Ronald P. Spogli and financed by the best Italian and American wineries, will be presented on 10 October 2008, during which the work will officially begin.

Roma: Nuova cantina per l’Ambasciata USA in Italia

Many famous people passing through Italy, including several US presidents, have stayed at Villa Taverna as guests of the US Ambassador. Despite its name and despite standing on a vineyard, Villa Taverna did not yet have a wine cellar.

Thanks to the support of Banfi and the other wineries, all of the highest calibre, called upon to take part in the project, a wine cellar will therefore be built at the prestigious Villa, which will certainly be an important showcase for Italian wines to the overseas public.

Montalcino, 24 September 2008 - The harvest began on 27 August with the Pinot Grigio and the Chardonnaywhich was followed by Sauvignon Blanc. Harvesting of the red grapes, Merlot and Syrah, began in mid-September, and we are now harvesting Sangiovese, which will be followed by the later variety, which is Cabernet Sauvignon.

Harvest 2008

The weather pattern of the year was good, with a rainy and not particularly cold winter and a very regular spring, both in terms of rainfall and temperatures.

There was heavy rainfall until mid-June, while an alternation of high temperatures with cooler periods and rainfall characterised the second half of the month and continued throughout July. The first phases of vine development, from budding to veraison, took place with a certain delay due to this weather pattern.  

The quality of the grapes is so far very good, and the cooling of the temperatures over the last few days has been very positive and is decisive for the polyphenolic ripening of the red varieties. The quantities produced are more or less in line with those of the previous harvest.

Montalcino, 15 September 2008 - "La Lus"The latest wine from Vigne Regali, Banfi's Piedmontese brand, comes from the brand new Albarossa project.

From the union of Barbera and Nebbiolo arises Albarossa, a red grape variety that has its roots in 1938, when Prof. Dalmasso, following some experiments on indigenous Piedmontese varieties, created this new and captivating crossbreed, which immediately demonstrated a unique and surprising character.

In 2001, four of Piedmont's most important wineries, including Vigne Regali, decided to finance large-scale experimentation of the project. The results of the research are positive and confirm and reinforce the impression of a modern wine with great visual impact, which nevertheless maintains the typical Piedmontese characteristics in its freshness and pleasant tannins. In 2006, the first vintage was vinified.

La lus - the latest and innovative label of regal vines

"La Lus", deep and intense ruby red, is the highest expression of this innovative and very typical grape variety. A wine endowed with great longevity, yet immediately enjoyable, thanks to the roundness and softness of its tannins. Ageing takes place for twelve months in French oak barriques and is then completed by eight months in the bottle. The release of the new label is planned for autumn 2008.

Vigne Regali once again confirms itself as a winery devoted to the enhancement and typicality of the lower Piedmont region and its wines, always attentive to incorporating novelties. A modern company with deep roots in tradition for a project that encapsulates the special characteristics of Piedmontese wines.

20 July 2008, Montalcino - The eleventh edition of 'Jazz & Wine in Montalcino', the important musical event strongly desired by the Banfi winery, the cultural association Jazz & Image of Rome and the Municipality of Montalcino.

Montalcino - Great success for the 11th edition of Jazz & Wine in Montalcino

As is now customary, after the inaugural concert, held within the evocative walls of Castello Banfi, the festival moved to the splendid 14th-century fortress of Montalcino. On stage, within this evocative setting, some of the most authoritative and refined artists of the national and international jazz scene performed.

Just to name a few, among the Italians the unmistakable trumpet of Enrico Ravaa regular on the Montalcino stage, and Stefano Bollani Cariocawhich returned to Montalcino after a few years' absence, which closed this 11th edition with a sell-out.

Many stars of the international jazz scene, starting with Mike Stern with the legendary quartet of Yellow Jackets, protagonists of an evening that was an extraordinary success with the public. This was followed by the great orchestra of Chicago Jazz Ensamble and acclaimed by the public, Shawnn Monteiro who won everyone over with his scratchy voice.

This last edition, thanks to a highly prestigious programme and the growing involvement of all the partners involved, saw a truly exceptional success in terms of audience attendance, testifying to the importance that this festival, which began in 1998, has assumed over the years.