Montalcino typical dishes: where to enjoy them

Here are Montalcino typical dishes, how to cook them and where to enjoy them in combination with quality wines from the area.

 

Montalcino typical dishes: what they are and where to taste them

 

The territory of Montalcino, the enchanting Tuscan village nestled in the hills of the Val d'Orcia, tells a story as old as its rich soil on which the finest vines grow, a narrative that is also reflected in the area's culinary and wine traditions.
The typical dishes of Montalcino are made of authentic flavours, reflecting a simple and traditional way of life, deeply rooted in the territory and its excellence. Each recipe is a culinary voyage of discovery of the region's typical products, and each village or small town often boasts its own personal reinterpretation of the recipes, making culinary experiences in Montalcino unique and varied.

 

What to eat in Val d'Orcia?

 

The Val d'Orcia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dotted with small villages nestled in a lush landscape. Each of them is the bearer of a local food and wine tradition that has always attracted tourists from all corners of the world. Whether you are talking about appetisers, first courses, main courses or desserts, the choice of what to eat in Val d'Orcia is wide.

 

Cold cuts and cheeses linked to the territory

 

Among the starters, an honourable mention must be reserved for Cinta Senese ham, with its unique and unmistakable flavour, similar to that of game, and its characteristic spicy scent, perfect in combination with Brunello di Montalcino.
Pecorino di Pienza is also one of the delicacies of the Val d'Orcia and one of the typical dishes of Montalcino: fresh or matured for ninety days in oak barrels, its strong taste is influenced by the aromatic herbs on which the sheep, reared in a semi-wild state, feed.

 

Traditional first courses

 

The typical first courses of Montalcino and Tuscany in general are renowned for their intense and concentrated taste, rich in the flavours and aromas of the territory, with seasonings based on game meat.
Among the most traditional first courses are the pici, a long, thick fresh pasta typical of the Val d'Orcia tradition, which go perfectly with various sauces (game, garlic and sauces) as they capture the essence of each preparation thanks to their porous surface that retains sauces and flavours.

 

Pici or Pinci


In the land of Brunello, pici are called “pinci”: i pinci alle briciole are one of Montalcino's most classic dishes to be enjoyed in local restaurants and taverns, and are proof that the creative spirit of the Tuscans succeeds in making even an apparently simple and 'poor' dish rich and tasty. In fact, to the traditional seasoning of garlic, oil and chilli pepper, crumbs of toasted or stale Tuscan bread are added, adding a pinch of delicacy and surprise to the dish.

 

Tortelli alla Mugellana

 

Much more elaborate are the tortelli alla Mugellana, one of the region's most popular Montalcino recipes, especially when accompanied by a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. These particular tortelli, made with fresh pasta, are filled with potatoes flavoured with cheese, parsley and garlic, and go perfectly with rich meat sauces, such as wild boar ragout.

 

Main courses

 

Another great classic of Tuscan cuisine to enjoy in Montalcino is the peposo, a very tender stew immersed in a thick, spicy sauce with an ancient flavour, like that of tradition, that cooks slowly for almost three hours in a copper pan. Peposo is usually served with Tuscan bread and Brunello di Montalcino.
Also the stufato alla Sangiovannese is another typical Montalcino dish linked to the 'poor' and working-class tradition: this stew is prepared with different spices such as ginger, cloves and cinnamon, and every Montalcino family hands down from father to son its own perfect spice mix.

 

Traditional Sweets

 

Panforte, amaretti e ricciarelli are the most popular sweets in the region and are linked to local history and traditions. In fact, to trace the oldest recipe for panforte, once the exclusive prerogative of nobles and aristocrats, one has to go back in time to the year 1000.
The 'white' version currently enjoyed throughout the province of Siena dates back to Queen Margaret's visit to Siena in 1879, when the Sienese made a more delicate panforte covered in vanilla sugar.

 

Where to eat in Montalcino

 

This journey to discover the typical dishes and recipes of Montalcino cannot but end with a question: where to eat near Montalcino?

 

La Taverna

 

One of the most characteristic places to eat near Montalcino is the La Taverna Restaurant, located among the hills surrounding the charming Castello Banfi Wine Resort. The restaurant was designed in the ancient cellars of the medieval castle and furnished in traditional Tuscan style, with wooden tables, fine bottles on display and brick vaults, for a rustic and comfortable ambience.
The atmosphere one breathes is that of a cosy tavern of bygone days where one can enjoy in the company of friends and family the typical dishes of Montalcino accompanied by excellent Banfi wine.
The kitchen offers guests the traditional Montalcino and Tuscany dishes, including braised pork cheek at the Moscadello With pumpkin, polenta and jus of prunes or ravioli with porcini mushrooms from the Amiata area, with chickpea cream and Cinta Senese powder, using only fresh, genuine, km0 ingredients that enhance the authenticity of the flavours of the area and provide a food and wine experience to be tried at least once.

 

La Sala dei Grappoli

 

Having dinner at La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, still by Castello Banfi Wine Resort, is instead like embarking on a journey through the flavors of Tuscany, revisited by the chef Domenico Francone and his team. Local raw materials are artfully used to create seasonal menus that give guests an unforgettable experience, thanks in part to the finest selection of Banfi wines.
The restaurant has a refined and unique indoor dining room, with exposed wooden beams and walls frescoed with voluptuous green and gold grapes, and an outdoor terrace, in the shadow of the castle and overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the Tuscan hills.

Wine cellar tasting in Montalcino

Discover our wine shop and cellar, strategically located near Montalcino and enjoy an unforgettable wine tasting.

 

Wine tastings in wine cellars in Montalcino: where to go?

 

More and more tourists and wine enthusiasts are choosing the wineries of Montalcino for a tasting of the finest excellence of this unique territory. Wineries in Montalcino, in fact, are the perfect place to learn more about the world of wine from history to production techniques.
Food and wine tourism in recent years is not limited to simply tasting local products but complements the exploration of the area and its traditions.The charming village of Montalcino, nestled among the green and sunny hills of southern Tuscany, is the ideal destination for such an immersive experience.

 

Why is Montalcino the perfect place to learn about wine?

 

A visit to the wineries of Montalcino accompanied by a wine tasting cannot be said to be complete without a brief excursion into the history of this area, which has been deeply linked to wine production since the past.

 

Montalcino: land of wines since Etruscan times already

 

The vocation of the Montalcino area for wine production is as old as the town itself: in fact, numerous archaeological finds testify that already in Etruscan times the verdant hills surrounding the place where the town now stands were dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the production of excellent wines renowned throughout the peninsula.
But it was during the nineteenth century that, with the production of Brunello, Montalcino won the title of “home of wine,” thus becoming a favorite destination for connoisseurs and enthusiasts curious to discover the area's wineries and experience the tastings that each of them offers. Montalcino's wineries are in fact among the first to open their doors to visitors, becoming one of the first villages in Italy to promote wine tourism.

 

Unique territory and producers of excellence

 

For all those who wish to learn more about the world of wine, from its origins to the more technical aspects related to production, a tasting at one of Montalcino's wineries turns out to be the ideal choice.
In fact, this area, thanks to its special microclimate, makes it possible to produce wines of the highest quality, first and foremost the Brunello di Montalcino, the highest expression of the prince grape variety of these lands: Sangiovese

 

Wineries in Montalcino where to book a wine tasting

 

But where to taste Brunello di Montalcino and other local delicacies? Castello Banfi Wine Resort is the ideal place to make a tasting in the territory of Montalcino. Located in the charming Poggio alle Mura, just a short walk from the center of Montalcino, this wonderful wine resort offers the opportunity to visit the vineyards and the Banfi winery and enjoy a truly unique tasting experience. Visiting the wineries near Montalcino for wine tastings will not only be an itinerary that will take you through the heady scents and the thousand flavors of this region, but a real journey into the world of wine production, where the knowledge of yesteryear is intertwined with the latest technologies, resulting in products of unparalleled excellence.

 

It begins with a tour of the vineyards

 

A visit to the vineyards is the first stop for those who decide to do a wine tasting near Montalcino. Walking through the rows of vines, you will have the opportunity to discover technical and historical trivia about the different grape varieties produced in Montalcino and the techniques that allow them to be transformed into the extraordinary wines that characterize this area and how wine is made.

 

Winery visits

 

At Castello Banfi Wine Resort the tour to the vineyards is accompanied by a visit to the winery, the beating heart of the Banfi winery, designed to preserve the richness of the grapes and their characteristics. The pride of our winery is the brand new winemaking area, which can be fully visited thanks to some comfortable and innovative architectural solutions, allowing to observe the whole winemaking process.
You will be accompanied by an expert guide, who will explain the different stages of wine production and the different tools used for production and aging. You will also have our experienced sommeliers at your side who will accompany you through the tasting experience, teaching you how to recognize a good wine by sight and smell, even before the palate.

 

How tastings are held at the Enoteca

 

L’Enoteca Banfi is the ideal place to taste a selection of various types of Brunello di Montalcino, accompanying each glass to the products, pairing them with typical products such as local pecorino cheese and Tuscan prosciutto. Just a few steps from the castle, the ambience recreates in every way a Tuscan workshop of yesteryear, with rustic floors and beamed ceilings. You can stroll among the elegant shelves of fine wood on which stand the marvels of local craftsmanship and Banfi's signature wines; you can taste local food and wine products, including the renowned Condimento Balsamico Etrusco and the grappe Banfi.
To meet the needs of all wine lovers, our wine shop organizes different tour routes, from the afternoon tour with tasting of four types of wine to the morning tour with a three- or four-course lunch, with wines chosen for pairing by our expert sommeliers, or even booking a private tour with a tour of the vineyards, winery and Balsameria, followed by a guided tasting and lunch at the La Taverna Restaurant.

Wine tourism in Italy: history and curiosities

Wine tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on wine and its production. Learn more about wine tourism in Italy and its history.

 

Enotourism: meaning and history of wine tourism in Italy

 

Wine tourism or wine tourism is a journey of discovery of the territories with a strong wine vocation, enriched by tastings of wines and local food and wine products, from guided tours of wineries and vineyards, and from encounters with local traditions and culture.
So, when one asks what is meant by wine tourism, it is important to understand that one is not just referring to the classic wine tasting at a wine bar, but to an immersive experience strongly linked to the territory that embraces the entire culture of wine and its production. Often, in fact, wineries are located in villages nestled among sun-kissed hillsides and rows of vines as far as the eye can see, in a fairytale landscape that acts as a backdrop to the tasting experience, becoming an integral part of it.

 

The most sought-after destinations for wine tourists

 

The most sought-after destinations for wine tourists are the areas of Tuscany renowned for their wine production, such as the Val d'Orcia or the Chianti areas. Here, thanks to the resourcefulness and feeling of hospitality and welcome that characterises the inhabitants of these areas, local wineries have breathed new life into small villages and medieval hamlets, turning them into museums, B&Bs or luxury resorts where one can dedicate oneself to relaxation, art, wellness and good wine.
The culture of wine is in fact linked to that of pleasure, wellness and entertainment, so when it comes to wine tourism, there is never a shortage of activities such as spas and thermal baths, creative activities such as exhibitions, laboratories and workshops dedicated to wine production, as well as experiences in contact with nature for the whole family, such as hiking, trekking and grape harvest tourism.

 

When wine tourism was born

 

Wine and tourism is a very old combination, yet the phenomenon of wine tourism in Italy is relatively recent: born in the early 1990 s on the initiative of a number of associations that gave rise to important events related to wine and tourism and still famous today, such as the events “Cantine Aperte” o “Calici sotto le stelle”. Thanks to these initiatives, over the past 30 years more than 15 million tourists have approached the world of wine production, its history and the traditions of the area.

 

Legislation on wine tourism

 

But by whom is wine tourism regulated? And what are the laws that regulate this form of tourism?

Legislation on wine tourism or wine tourism is very recent. In the early 2000s, the Wine Routes were created, i.e. protected routes along which there are 'natural, cultural and environmental values, vineyards and wineries of farms or associated companies open to the public' and which have opened the door to a new way of conceiving tourism linked to food and wine, and above all to the excellence of the territory.
On the other hand, the Guidelines on requirements and minimum quality standards for the exercise of wine tourism activities, strongly desired by all those working in the sector and approved during the State-Regions Conference, date back to March 2019. The Enotourism Decree then regulates winery visits, the invoicing of wine tourism activities, and the skills that staff working in this sector must have.

 

Wine tourism in Tuscany: where to go?

 

One of the most evocative places related to wine tourism is the Val d'Orcia, which, with its breathtaking landscapes, villages rich in history and a very strong wine vocation of the area, has always been a favourite destination for wine tourists.
In the heart of the Val d'Orcia, just a few kilometers from Montalcino, home of the Brunello, rises Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a luxury accommodation dedicated to wine tourism and wellness, an oasis in the Tuscan hills where you can treat yourself to a pleasant weekend away from city stress, in harmony with the slow pace of the countryside.

 

Wine tourism: not only wine tastings

 

The beating heart of wine tourism is certainly the tasting of local wines and products that, with their perfect harmony of scents and flavors, mirror the excellence of the area. Castello Banfi Wine Resort organizes customized tasting experiences that will allow you to taste the flavors of the castle and travel by taste and smell among the Tuscany and the Piedmont, trying the best Banfi signature wines.
Moreover, in perfect accordance with the spirit of wine tourism, we offer the possibility of a unique visit through the places and excellences that characterise our winery, a tour that begins with a visit to the property and the vineyards, where the superb grapes that give life to the finest bottles grow, continues with a guided tour of the wine cellar, a place where the latest technologies meet the highest quality raw materials and traditions of yesteryear, and ends the experience with a lunch full of local products that will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

La Pettegola Banfi Limited Edition 2023 of Noma bar

The extremely linear and essential figures of Noma Bar wrap the bottle of the Limited Edition 2023 of La PettegolaBanfi's Vermentino.

 

Noma Bar: l’artista

L’avventura di Banfi con il mondo del design prosegue e vede, per la prima volta, il coinvolgimento di un artista non italiano: Noma Bar, an Israeli based in London, vintage 1973. Designer, illustrator, graph, i lavori di Bar sono stati pubblicati su numerosi media internazionali, tra i quali BBC, Random House, The Observer e The Economist. La prima cosa che si nota, osservando le sue illustrazioni, è l’utilizzo di sharp lines delimiting the space, da lui definito “spazio negativo”, e che consentono all’osservatore di vedere con la mente. Le sue collaborations with brands international campaigns range from campaigns for Greenpeace, Amnesty International, IBM, Coca-Cola and many others. Very famous are his portraits of politicians, singers and actors, but also fairy tale characters and many animals.

 

L’etichetta Limited Edition 2023 di Noma Bar per La Pettegola di Banfi

 

Con La Pettegola Limited Edition di Banfi, Noma Bar si avvicina per la prima volta al mondo del vino. “Non avevo mai lavorato prima su un’etichetta o con la realtà aumentata”, dichiara. “Ma le sfide come questa proposta da Banfi, sono quelle che più mi appassionano. Ho voluto coniugare il mio stile con il world of La Pettegola, immaginando un mondo tra donne intente a rivelarsi sogni, passioni e segreti di fronte ad un bicchiere di vino. Le loro emozioni, così come i dettagli de La Pettegola, sono comenascoste in piena vista: lo stupore che si crea nel guardare più da vicino è ciò che rende il design e la vita, in fondo, così speciali”.

L’artwork di Noma Bar rappresenta five female figures che, se a prima vista possono sembrare un enigma, osservandole meglio se ne possono cogliere i dettagli più veri, scoprendo che in ognuna di loro c’è un po’ de La Pettegola. Un golden chalice, one tapered bottle, a little bird with spread wings. I simboli de La Pettegola sono trasformati dall’artista in segni distintivi per un’etichetta piena di tante sfaccettature diverse, tutta da scoprire.

 

La Pettegola Limited Editions of past years

 

La Pettegola, prodotto per la prima volta nel 2012, a partire dal 2018 vanta un’edizione limitata (solo ventimila bottiglie per la 2023) firmata, ogni anno, da artisti e designer di fama internazionale. La prima, nel 2018, è stata disegnata da Alessandro Baronciani, nel 2019 è stata la volta di Ale Giorgini, a cui sono seguiti Riccardo Guasco nel 2020, Elena Salmistraro nel 2021 e i Van Orton per l’edizione 2022.

On the occasion of the tenth grape harvest del Vermentino firmato Banfi si è pensato, inoltre, di produrre una special packagingwith the six Limited Editions.

 

Banfi Experience e Realtà Aumentata

 

Anche per l’edizione 2023, l’etichetta della Limited Edition prende vita grazie alla Realtà Aumentata, le cinque figure femminili protagoniste dell’artwork si animano esprimendo i loro pensieri e le loro emozioni.

Per vedere l’etichetta animata basta scaricare la Banfi Experience apps (Apple Store – Play Store) ed inquadrare la bottiglia.

Banfi redesigns its governance model from 2023

As of 10 January 2023, a new page has opened for Banfi. An essential step to sustain the company's leadership and continue along the path of cultural continuity and family ownership.

 

Banfi, the leading company in the Brunello di Montalcino, has decided to reorganise and make its governance model more up-to-date and dynamic. All in the name of cultural continuity and greater integration between US and Italian management.

 

New governance-model: Management

 

Enrico Viglierchio, in addition to retaining his role as General Manager of the group, he takes on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banfi Società Agricola srl. In his new role, he became responsible for the agricultural, wine and production sectors. Working alongside him as Vice-President, Gabriele Mazzi, CFO of both Banfi srl and Banfi Società Agricola srl, as well as Cristina Mariani-May, Philip Calderone and Jason Arfin.

 

New governarce-model: Presidency

 

Rodolfo Maralli was appointed Chairman of the Board of Banfi srl and, in addition to his new assignment, he will continue in his function as Director of Sales and Marketing, External Communication and Press Relations. Enrico Viglierchio, Gabriele Mazzi and Elizabeth Koenig were appointed as vice-presidents of the company, recently appointed as Hospitality Director of Castello Banfi Wine Resort. Cristina Mariani-May, Philip Calderone and Jason Arfinsono are the other members of the Board of Directors.

 

New governance-model: Executive committee

 

Prominent in the new governance model is the creation of a Executive Committeewith strategic planning and medium- to long-term policy-making functions, chaired by Cristina Mariani-May, will see the members of the two Boards of Directors. All this reaffirms the ultimate goal of this organisational journey: the integration of the two souls, Italian and American, and the drive towards innovation and change.

 

CEO Cristina Mariani-May

 

Cristina Mariani-May increasingly protagonist of Banfi of the future comments: 'I would like to thank the entire Banfi team, for the path we have travelled and, above all, for the bright future we have yet to write. My warm thanks also go to Remo Grassi for his more than 40 years of passion and dedication in our company. The new organisation propels us towards a new way of working together, as one company, to meet and win the challenges of the future: "for a better wine world". '

6 villages in Tuscany to live in

Sogni una vita più lenta, a contatto con la natura e con i prodotti coltivati sul territorio? Lasciati guidare nei piccoli borghi toscani da sogno.

 

6 piccoli borghi in Toscana dove vivere

Tuscany, a land rich in history, art and culture in all its forms, is not only a popular destination for tourists from all over the world but also a region where one can consider moving permanently to change one's lifestyle.
The main attraction is that of the small villages in Tuscany, where living a life in closer contact with nature, which from a professional point of view can offer various career outlets, for example in tourism, agriculture and food and wine.
For those wondering where to live in Tuscany to change their lifestyle, here are five small villages in Tuscany where to live.

 

Brento Sanico

Brento Sanico is a tiny Tuscan village located in the heart of the mountains of upper Mugello, in a basin half-hidden from view; it represents a unique opportunity to move to Tuscany, leaving behind the hectic city life to devote oneself to agriculture and animal husbandry.
This village, in fact, abandoned in the 1960s, is at the centre of a major redevelopment and repopulation project: the houses will be renovated using the beautiful local pietra serena stone and given on a free loan basis.

 

Sovana

Sovana, a hamlet in the municipality of Sorano in the province of Grosseto, is one of the most enchanting small villages in Tuscany to live in if you love art and culture. The place was already inhabited in Etruscan times and soon became an important medieval village.
Testimonianze di questo antico passato sono visibili ad ogni passo all’interno della cittadina, tra i numerosi edifici religiosi e militari, come la Rocca aldobrandesca o nella vicina area archeologica. Il paese conta qualche centinaio di abitanti ed è ben collegato con gli altri centri della maremma.

 

Bagno Vignoni

Anche Bagno Vignoni vanta origini antichissime: già i romani lo prediligevano, tra tutti i centri della Val d’Orcia, per la presenza di sorgenti termali di origine vulcanica, e persino Lorenzo de’ Medici ne fu ospite.

 

San Gimignano

Di certo più grande e più famoso dei precedenti è il borgo di San Gimignano, conosciuto come “la città delle torri” e dichiarato patrimonio dell’UNESCO. Trasferirsi in Toscana e optare per vivere a San Gimignano offre la possibilità di godere di tutti i vantaggi di un piccolo borgo senza rinunciare a servizi e infrastrutture di diverso tipo. Inoltre, questo borgo toscano offre alcune possibilità lavorative nel settore del turismo e della produzione del vino.

 

Montepulciano

Ugualmente famoso per il vino, ma anche per le sue acque termali e per il suo aspetto tipicamente medievale, è Montepulciano, uno dei luoghi più incantevoli dove vivere in Toscana. Il borgo, che ospita quasi 15.000 abitanti, si trova al confine con l’Umbria ed è ricco di zone verdi, ideali per le famiglie amanti del trekking e delle escursioni.

 

Poggio alle Mura

One of the most characteristic medieval places in Tuscany is Poggio alle Mura, located in the municipality of Montalcino and not far from the border with the province of Grosseto.
Qui si trova il Castello Banfi di Poggio alle Mura, uno dei migliori wine resort nei pressi di Montalcino. Sebbene non sia possibile vivere a Poggio alle Mura, stabilirsi nei pressi di questa località, ad esempio a Montalcino, offre la possibilità di iniziare una vita a contatto con la natura e dove le possibilità di lavorare nel settore enologico sono numerose.
Gli amanti del vino avranno inoltre l’occasione di frequentare l’Enoteca Banfi, un’incantevole bottega toscana d’altri tempi dove acquistare le più rinomate etichette Banfi e i prodotti tipici locali. Inoltre, all’interno del Castello Banfi è collocato il Ristorante La Sala dei Grappoli e il ristorante La Taverna, luoghi perfetti per chi ama il gusto della tradizione.

Wedding in Tuscany: where to do it?

Where and how to organise a wedding in Tuscany? Here is an example of the perfect location to make this day unforgettable.

 

Wedding in Tuscany: the perfect location

 

Celebrare il proprio matrimonio in Toscana è il sogno nel cassetto di molte coppie. Il fascino dei paesaggi toscani, con le sue tipiche colline, i vitigni, i castelli arroccati e i borghi d’altri tempi, unito all’ospitalità tipica degli abitanti di questa regione e alla qualità dei prodotti enogastronomici, rende la Toscana la location ideale.
Tra i luoghi per un matrimonio in Toscana che meglio racchiudono queste caratteristiche c’è Castello Banfi, nelle vicinanze di Montalcino, terra del Red e del Brunello, una location per matrimoni in Toscana elegante e raffinata in una cornice unica e ricca di storia.

 

Wedding at Castello Banfi Wine Resort: hospitality and haute cuisine

 

Per chi si chiede dove fare un matrimonio in Toscana che sia davvero indimenticabile, Castello Banfi Wine Resort è la scelta ideale: il castello sarà infatti ad uso esclusivo degli sposi e dei loro ospiti, che potranno passeggiare tra le mura medievali, ammirare i vigneti, la tranquilla campagna toscana e gustare l’alta cucina, genuina e a km zero, dei nostri chef che sapientemente intrecciando sapori della tradizione alle nuove tendenze culinarie.

 

The wedding locations in Tuscany of Castello Banfi Wine Resort

 

Grazie alla versatilità degli spazi interni ed esterni del Castello e alla cura per i dettagli, è possibile personalizzare la cerimonia, l’aperitivo di benvenuto, il pranzo o la cena, scegliendo la formula più adatta ad ogni esigenza e sfruttando le diverse location all’interno o all’esterno del resort.

 

Outdoor spaces overlooking the Tuscan countryside

 

La posizione strategica della struttura rende il castello il luogo ideale per un matrimonio: la Terrazza, ad esempio, situata a ridosso delle mura, offre una vista mozzafiato sulle colline toscane, come in una cartolina dove i vigneti baciati dal sole si trasformano nello sfondo perfetto per un matrimonio in vigna in Toscana.
Gli spazi all’aperto sono numerosi: cortili, terrazze e giardini possono essere adibiti a ospitare il buffet, l’aperitivo di benvenuto o il tradizionale taglio della torta. Uno dei luoghi più romantici di tutto il castello è ad esempio il Roseto, dove l’incanto della natura e delle mani esperte di flower designer e giardinieri si incontrano per dare vita a un luogo da favola, uno sfondo incredibilmente romantico e suggestivo per le foto ricordo o per pronunciare il celebre “sì” circondati dalle bellezze e dall’eleganza delle rose, il fiore simbolo dell’amore.

 

Charming interior spaces within the castle walls

 

Ma il fascino del castello è racchiuso anche tra le sue mura antiche. Grazie alla cura dei dettagli e all’eleganza degli arredi, ospiti e sposi potranno godere di tutti i comfort durante la cerimonia e il ricevimento in una location per matrimoni in Toscana unica e inusuale.

 

A tailor-made event

 

Castello Banfi Wine Resort, with its romantic and at the same time versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, offers different settings in which to organise the multiple moments of your ceremony. Every detail can be taken care of and customised according to the needs of the bride and groom, to offer them the wedding they have always dreamed of.
In addition to the uniqueness of the location and the gastronomic proposal, the excellence of the staff contributes to the magic of the venue. They will assist you in making your special day unforgettable and unique.

 

Guest rooms and suites

 

Infine, gli sposi che scelgono di celebrare il loro matrimonio in Toscana tra le mura del Castello Banfi Wine Resort potranno avere a disposizione, oltre agli spazi privati del castello, anche le camere e suites che fanno parte del resort, con la possibilità di dormire in un autentico castello medievale, immersi nella natura con tutti gli agi e i comfort di una struttura di lusso.

Cosa serve per aprire un’enoteca? Il caso Enoteca Banfi

Dal vino, agli abbinamenti, all’atmosfera: ecco come nasce Enoteca Banfi presso il Castello Banfi Wine Resort e qualche suggerimento per aprire la vostra.

 

How to open a successful wine shop?

 

In recent years, the phenomenon of wine shops, wine bars and cellar tours in Italy has become increasingly popular. Many people, therefore, wonder what it takes to open a wine shop and how to start a successful one. In this short guide on how to open a wine shop we will answer all the most frequently asked questions on the subject.

 

Difference between wine shop and wine bar

 

First of all, a distinction must be made between wine shop and wine bar, which are often misused as synonyms:
the wine shop is the place where wines (either home-made or imported) are sold together with other alcoholic beverages and local food products. Compared to a normal wine shop, the enoteca offers a more select choice of labels and the possibility of guided tours of the cellars, also accompanied by wine tastings;
The wine bar, on the other hand, is a real place to eat, with a menu, seating and various dishes to accompany and enhance the wine.

 

What does it take to open a wine shop?

 

As with any business, it is essential to draw up a business plan. The latter should include several types of analysis, for example:
that on costs, which are necessary to open the business;
an analysis of the target audience, i.e. the types of users you want to reach with your activity;
on location design;
on the medium and long-term objectives of the business.

 

What to do to get a licence to sell wine?

 

Nel caso in cui si desideri aprire un wine bar o un’enoteca è utile, ad esempio, aver conseguito un diploma presso un istituto alberghiero, avere maturato un’esperienza nella ristorazione di almeno due anni prima di aprire la vostra attività e aver frequentato dei corsi per sommelier.
Le regioni bandiscono inoltre con una certa regolarità i corsi SAB (Somministrazione di Alimenti e Bevande), ossia percorsi formativi con scopo abilitativo all’esercizio delle attività di commercio alimentare e per la vendita di generi alimentari e bevande. Inoltre, è obbligatorio disporre del certificato HACCP relativo alle norme igieniche e di sicurezza necessarie a servire cibi e bevande al pubblico.
It is also necessary to have a licence to sell alcohol. But what do you have to do to obtain a licence to sell wine? It will be sufficient to submit the appropriate application to the Customs and Monopolies Agency, also by registered mail. Finally, among the documents required to open a wine shop or wine bar, you must have:
Certified Declaration of Commencement of Activity (SCIA) for commercial activities;
VAT number;
codice ATECO corrispondente.

 

How much does it cost to open a wine shop?

 

Documentation, permits and licences are the initial items to be included in the spending plan for opening a wine shop, to which must then be added the cost of renting or purchasing the premises, furnishing, supplying wine and hiring staff.
On average, the initial cost of opening a wine shop is around EUR 30,000, excluding wines.

 

Enoteca Banfi: a case of success

 

Per capire cosa serve per aprire un’enoteca, il consiglio è quello di prendere l’esempio dalle attività di successo presenti sul nostro territorio, come ad esempio l’Enoteca Banfi, situata nel cuore della terra del Brunello, presso Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a soli 20 km da Montalcino.
The first thing that strikes visitors upon entering this wine shop is its atmosphere: the décor has been made with fine materials and antique furniture to recreate a Tuscan shop of bygone days. Entering the Enoteca Banfi is not only a purchasing experience but also an immersion in the discovery of places and traditions linked to the world of wine.
It is also a wine shop that is characterised by the variety of products on sale: sparkling wines, grappa, extra virgin olive oil and many other excellences of local gastronomy as well as, of course, the careful selection of Banfi wines, renowned and appreciated all over the world for their quality and taste.

 

Cosa offre l’Enoteca Banfi

 

Infine, l’Enoteca Banfi organizza per i suoi ospiti esperienze di tasting con prodotti tipici locali (es. formaggi, salumi, ecc.) in abbinamento ai vini proposti, oltre alle affascinanti visite alle cantine Banfi. Si tratta di veri e propri tour che comprendono una passeggiata tra i vigneti, dove è possibile ammirare le molteplici varietà di uve coltivate nelle tenute Banfi, e presso la cantina, un ambiente elegante, rustico e al contempo moderno.
Finally, customer care and the excellence of the products on sale remain another key element to keep in mind when opening a successful wine shop.

Riciclare le cassette di legno del vino

They can become shelves, storage compartments or accessories for our pets: here are 5 ideas for recycling wooden wine crates.

 

5 recycling ideas for wine crates

 

Wooden wine boxes, especially those of the most valuable bottles, contribute to the value of the product itself. They can in fact be handcrafted from quality wood.
The most beautiful ones are often stored together with bottles or displayed in the cellar or living room as real design elements. Alternatively, it is possible to recycle them into entirely new objects. In this respect, there are many ideas on how to recycle wooden wine crates.
Trattandosi inoltre di oggetti dalla forma rettangolare molto versatile e dal materiale durevole e resistente, è possibile il riutilizzo delle cassette di vino in diversi ambienti della casa.

 

Ecco quindi 5 idee su come riciclare le scatole di legno del vino.

 

1. Porta spezie o porta tè

Se ti stai chiedendo come riciclare le scatole di legno del vino, la soluzione più semplice è quella di darle nuova vita senza apportare sostanziali modifiche e cambiando solo il loro contenuto, utilizzandole ad esempio come porta spezie o porta bustine di tè. Potete scegliere di lasciare le scatole prive di decorazioni oppure abbellirle con la tecnica del découpage per un effetto vintage di grande fascino.
Come contenitore per le bustine di tè sono particolarmente indicate le cassette di vino per bottiglie singole. Per il riciclo di una cassetta di vino da bottiglia singola, infatti, le misure della confezione in legno sembrano fatte apposta per contenere le bustine di tè più vendute in commercio.
Per quanto riguarda invece il contenitore per le spezie, potete usare la scatola così com’è oppure appenderla alla parete, avendo cura di fissarla bene per poi sistemare tutti i vasetti così da poterli facilmente raggiungere quando state cucinando. L’aggiunta di qualche piantina aromatica tra un barattolino di spezie e l’altro, insieme all’aspetto rustico ma di classe delle scatole in legno, rendono questa idea di riutilizzo delle cassette di vino davvero elegante e semplice da realizzare.

 

2. Libreria

Un’altra idea molto facile da realizzare per riciclare le scatole di legno del vino è quella di utilizzarle come mensole appese alla parete o di creare delle vere e proprie librerie, utilizzando le cassette di vino come ripiani. Grazie alla versatilità di queste scatole è possibile creare un numero infinito di composizioni, alternando ad esempio spazi vuoti e pieni a partire da geometrie accattivanti o seguendo un design più classico, collocando le scatole una sull’altra. Una libreria di questo tipo si abbina in modo particolare agli ambienti rustici o shabby chic.

 

3. Lampada

Questa idea per il riutilizzo delle cassette di vino richiede invece una buona manualità ma il risultato è un elemento d’arredo unico nel suo genere, raffinato ed elegante, da poter posizionare in ogni stanza della casa per creare un’atmosfera di relax: ecco come trasformare la cassetta di vino in una lampada decorativa.
Uno dei metodi più semplici prevede di utilizzare la scatola priva di coperchio per trasformarla in una light box, incollando a un paio di centimetri dal bordo, all’interno del contenitore, una striscia di luci a led di piccole dimensioni. Successivamente, è necessario inserire al posto del coperchio una lastra di plexiglass, lucido o opaco a seconda dei vostri gusti, che si può decorare con scritte o immagini stilizzate.
A second method involves carving the contours of a figure (perhaps a wine bottle or a goblet) with special tools and then inserting a lamp inside the box, taking care to drill a hole in the back for the cable to come out.

 

4. Porta calici

Un’idea elegante e da veri intenditori per il riciclo delle cassette di vino è quella di trasformarle in decorazioni per la cantina, e in particolare in ripiani per conservare i calici.
I bicchieri da vino vanno conservati preferibilmente a testa in giù, per impedire che si possa accumulare la polvere all’interno della coppa. Per evitare piccole sbeccature sul bordo della coppa, sarebbe inoltre opportuno che fossero sollevati dal ripiano. È infatti possibile montare al suo interno, su uno dei lati lunghi, un apposito supporto per calici: nella maggior parte dei casi, questi particolari binari sono indicati per essere montati su elementi in legno, come mensole o scatole del vino riciclate.
A hanging goblet solution that reuses wooden wine boxes is not only elegant and refined but also practical and functional for perfect storage of glasses.

 

5. Cuccia per animali domestici

Un’idea originale per riciclare le scatole di legno del vino è infine quella di trasformarle in confortevoli cucce per gli animali domestici, come gatti o cani di piccola taglia. Le cassette per vini più grandi, quelle che in genere ospitano due o tre bottiglie, sono le più indicate per questo tipo di riciclo.
It is possible to cover the bottom with a padded cushion to make the accessory even more comfortable for our four-legged friends. You can also make a multi-level kennel by mounting wooden blocks at the four upper corners of the box to act as a riser and support for installing a second box/box.

Sparkling wine: choose the right one for the holidays

Lo sparkling wine è uno dei protagonisti indiscussi nei menù durante le festività: durante la Vigilia di Natale, a Natale e a Capodanno si stappa una bottiglia e si dà il via ai festeggiamenti con un calice di bollicine. Lo spumante è inoltre un vino che si presta a diversi abbinamenti: dai piatti di pesce alle portate classiche all’aperitivo.

Esistono numerosi tipi di spumanti: a seconda del metodo di produzione e della variazione della quantità di zucchero adoperata le sparkling wine bottles can be very different each other, differing in effervescence, aroma and taste.

Ma come distinguere tra le diverse tipologie di spumanti? E qual è il significato della dicitura “spumante extra dry” o “brut”? Cosa significa la dicitura “spumante metodo classico” o “millesimato”?  Ecco, quindi, un in-depth study on sparkling wine per rispondere a queste e altre curiosità.

 

Processo di rifermentazione: Spumante Metodo classico o Charmat

 

An initial differentiation between sparkling wines is made according to the refermentation process used.

Nei Metodo Classico, la seconda fermentazione avviene direttamente in bottiglia attraverso l’aggiunta del cosiddetto liqueur de tirage, una soluzione a base di zuccheri e lieviti selezionati in grado di attivare la rifermentazione del vino.

Nei Metodo Charmat, invece, la rifermentazione avviene in botti di acciaio inox a temperatura controllata attraverso l’aggiunta di zuccheri e lieviti selezionati. Il risultato è freschezza e bouquet aromatico complesso.

 

Gradation and sweetness of sparkling wine

 

A second classification is made according to sparkling wine sweetness che non viene misurata solo in termini di residuo zuccherino ma anche in base ai livelli di alcol, acidi e tannini. A seconda della variazione di tutti questi elementi, uno spumante può essere:

  • dry
  • baited
  • likeable
  • sweet

On the basis of the variation in sugar content (or residual sugar) alone, sparkling wines are differentiated into:

  • brut
  • extra brut
  • dry
  • extra dry

Tale denominazione è sancita dalla Regolamentazione della Commissione (EC) N. 607/2009 del 14 luglio 2009.

 

Brut

Si definisce “brut” uno spumante con un rvery low sugar content (meno di 12 grammi per litro) e che si contraddistingue per un sapore intenso e dalla spiccata acidità. Tra i grandi classici spumanti brut segnaliamo, ad esempio, il Brut Classic Method prodotto da Banfi, un eccezionale spumante dal perlage fine e persistente che allieta il palato con un gusto fresco e vivace, leggermente amarognolo sul finale, grazie al carattere deciso e volitivo della cuvée con cui viene preparato (Pinot Nero, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc).

 

Extra brut

Lo spumante “extra brut”, invece, ha un residual sugar content of less than 5 grams per litre. This is why it is dry and delicate, the perfect companion for any kind of meal.

 

Dry

Lo spumante “dry” è quello con il maggior residual sugar: between 17 and 32 grams per litre. It falls into the category of amiable wines and is therefore an extremely sweet sparkling wine, capable of enhancing exotic and special dishes, combining skilfully with spicy and spicy foods or accompanying candied fruit and small dry pastries, for an extremely sweet end to a meal during the festive season.

 

Extra dry

Lo spumante “extra dry” ha un gusto morbido e vellutato, grazie al residual sugar content between 12 and 17 grams per litre.

Si sposa bene con piatti altrettanto delicati, sia a base di pesce che di carni bianche. Un’ottima bottiglia di spumante extra dry da stappare durante le Festività natalizie è ad esempio il Tener Extra Dry, il Metodo Charmat prodotto da Banfi con un piacevole aroma di frutti esotici e pesca, realizzato con varietà Sauvignon blanc e Chardonnay di qualità.

 

Che cos’è lo spumante millesimato?

Infine, tra gli spumanti, ve ne sono alcuni che recano sull’etichetta la dicitura “vintage”, definito tale quando viene prodotto utilizzando almeno l’85% delle uve raccolte e vendemmiate nella stessa annata.

The Cuvée Aurora Alta Langa DOCG, ad esempio, è uno spumante millesimato di grande pregio, prodotto da varietà Pinot Nero e Chardonnay raccolte a mano e provenienti dalle zone di alta collina piemontesi. Il suo sapore è intenso, elegante e armonioso, con un finale fresco e sapido: è il vino ideale per accompagnare le cene delle festività, poiché si sposa alla perfezione con piatti di pesce come ostriche e crostacei.

Also the Cuvée Aurora Rosé Alta Langa DOCG, prodotto interamente con Pinot nero di alta qualità, è uno spumante millesimato particolarmente adatto in questo periodo di Festa: è perfetto per l’aperitivo, grazie al suo profumo intenso e avvolgente, con sentori di scorza di mela golden, rosa canina e frutta secca.