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

 

Celebrating your wedding in Tuscany is the dream of many couples. The charm of the Tuscan landscapes, with its typical hills, vineyards, hilltops and villages of yesteryear, combined with the typical hospitality of the inhabitants of this region and the quality of food and wine, makes Tuscany the ideal location.
Among the places for a wedding in Tuscany that best encapsulate these characteristics is Castello Banfi, near Montalcino, land of Red and Brunello, an elegant and refined location for weddings in Tuscany in a unique setting rich in history.

 

Wedding at Castello Banfi Wine Resort: hospitality and haute cuisine

 

For those who are wondering where to make a wedding in Tuscany that is truly unforgettable, Castello Banfi Wine Resort is the ideal choice: the castle will in fact be for the exclusive use of the newlyweds and their guests, who can walk through the medieval walls, admire the vineyards, the quiet Tuscan countryside and taste the haute genuine and at zero km, our chefs who skillfully intertwine traditional flavors to new culinary trends.

 

The wedding locations in Tuscany of Castello Banfi Wine Resort

 

Thanks to the versatility of the interior and exterior spaces of the Castle and the attention to detail, you can customize the ceremony, the welcome drink, lunch or dinner, choosing the formula that best suits each need and taking advantage of the different locations inside or outside the resort.

 

Outdoor spaces overlooking the Tuscan countryside

 

The strategic position of the structure makes the castle the ideal place for a wedding: the Terrace, for example, located close to the walls, offers a breathtaking view on the Tuscan hills, as in a postcard where the sun-kissed vineyards become the perfect backdrop for a vineyard wedding in Tuscany.
The outdoor spaces are numerous: courtyards, terraces and gardens can be used to host the buffet, the welcome aperitif or the traditional cut of the cake. One of the most romantic places in the whole castle is for example the Rosetowhere the enchantment of nature and the expert hands of flower designers and gardeners meet to give life to a fairytale place, an incredibly romantic and suggestive background for souvenir photos or to pronounce the famous "yes" surrounded by the beauty and elegance of roses, the flower symbol of love.

 

Charming interior spaces within the castle walls

 

But the charm of the castle is also enclosed within its ancient walls. Thanks to the attention to detail and the elegance of the furnishings, guests and newlyweds will enjoy all the comforts during the ceremony and reception in a unique and unusual location for weddings in Tuscany.

 

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

 

Finally, the newlyweds who choose to celebrate their wedding in Tuscany within the walls of the Castello Banfi Wine Resort will have at their disposal, in addition to the private spaces of the castle, also the rooms and suites that are part of the resort, with the possibility of sleeping in an authentic medieval castle, immersed in nature with all the comforts and comforts of a luxury structure.

What does it take to open a wine shop? The case Enoteca Banfi

From wine, to combinations, to the atmosphere: here is how Enoteca Banfi at the Castello Banfi Wine Resort was born and some suggestions for opening yours.

 

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?

 

If you want to open a wine bar or an enoteca, it is useful, for example, to have obtained a diploma from a hotel school, to have at least two years'experience in catering before opening your business and to have attended sommelier courses.
The regions also regularly ban SAB courses (Food and Drink Administration) courses, that is training courses for the purpose of enabling the exercise of activities in the food trade and for the sale of foodstuffs and beverages. In addition, it is mandatory to have the HACCP certificate relating to hygiene and safety standards necessary to serve food and drinks to the public.
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;
Corresponding ATECO code.

 

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

 

To understand what it takes to open a wine shop, the advice is to take the example of successful activities in our territory, such as the Banfi Enoteca, located in the heart of the land of Brunello, at Castello Banfi Wine Resort, only 20 km from 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.

 

What the Enoteca Banfi offers

 

Finally, the Enoteca Banfi organizes for its guests tasting experiences with typical local products (e.g. cheeses, cold cuts, etc.) in combination with the wines offered, as well as fascinating visits to the Banfi cellars. These are real tours that include a walk through the vineyards, where you can admire the many varieties of grapes grown in the estates Banfi, and at the cellar, an elegant, rustic and yet modern.
The customer’s care and the excellence of the products on sale remain another fundamental element to keep in mind to open a successful wine bar.

Recycling wooden wine boxes

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.
In addition, since these are objects with a very versatile rectangular shape and durable and resistant material, it is possible to reuse the wine boxes in different rooms of the house.

 

Here are 5 ideas on how to recycle wooden wine boxes.

 

1. Spice holder or tea holder

If you are wondering how to recycle wooden wine boxes, the easiest solution is to give them new life without making substantial changes and changing only their contents, using them as a spice rack or tea bag holder. You can choose to leave the boxes without decorations or embellish them with the technique of découpage for a vintage effect of great charm.
Wine boxes for individual bottles are particularly suitable as holders for tea bags di vino per bottiglie singoleFor the recycling of a single bottle wine box, in fact, the measures of the wooden packaging seem to be made to contain the best-selling tea bags on the market.
As regards the spice holder, you can use the box as it is or hang it on the wall, taking care to fix it well and then arrange all the jars so that you can easily reach them when you are cooking. The addition of some aromatic seedlings between a jar of spices and the other, together with the rustic but classy look of wooden boxes, make this idea of reusing wine boxes really elegant and easy to realize.

 

2. Bookcase

Another very easy idea to recycle wooden wine boxes is to use them as shelves on the wall or to create real bookcases, using the wine boxes as shelves. Thanks to the versatility of these boxes, it is possible to create an infinite number of compositions, for example by alternating empty and full spaces starting from eye-catching geometries or following a more classic design, placing the boxes one on top of the other. A bookcase of this type is particularly suited to rustic or shabby chic environments.

 

3. Lamp

This idea for the reuse of wine boxes requires good manual skills but the result is aunique piece of furniture , refined and elegant, to be placed in every room of the house to create an atmosphere of relaxation: Here’s how to turn the wine box into a decorative lamp.
One of the simplest methods involves using the box without lid to turn it into a light box, gluing a strip of small led lights a few centimeters from the edge, inside the container. Next, you need to insert instead of the lid a plexiglass plate, glossy or matt according to your taste, which can be decorated with lettering or stylized images.
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. Cup holder

An elegant and connoisseur’s idea for the recycling of wine boxes is to turn them into decorations for the cellar, and in particular into shelves for storing glasses.
Wine glasses should preferably be stored upside down, to prevent dust from accumulating inside the cup. To avoid small splashes on the edge of the cup, it would also be appropriate that they are raised from the shelfIt is possible to mount inside, on one of the long sides, a special holder for glasses: in most cases, these particular rails are suitable for mounting on wooden elements, such as shelves or recycled wine boxes.
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. Pet kennel

An original idea to recycle the wooden boxes of wine is finally to turn them into comfortable huts for pets, such as cats or small dogs. The larger wine boxes, which usually hold two or three bottles, are best suited for this type of recycling.
It is possible to cover the bottom with a padded pillow, so as to make the accessory even more comfortable for our four-legged friends. You can also make a bunk in several levels, mounting on the four upper corners of the box wooden blocks that serve as a support to install a second box/ kennel.

Sparkling wine: choose the right one for the holidays

Lo sparkling wine is one of the undisputed protagonists in the menus during the holidays: on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve a bottle is opened and the festivities begin with a glass of sparkling wine. The sparkling wine is also a wine that lends itself to different combinations: from fish dishes to classic courses to aperitifs.

There are many types of sparkling wines: depending on the method of production and the variation in the amount of sugar used, the bottles of sparkling wine bottles can be very different each other, differing in effervescence, aroma and taste.

But how to distinguish between the different types of sparkling wines? And what is the meaning of the words "spumante extra dry" or "brut"? What does the words "classic method" or "vintage" mean? Here, then, a deeper insight into sparkling wine to answer these and other curiosities.

 

Refermentation process: Classic method or Charmat

 

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

In the Classic Method, the second fermentation takes place directly in the bottle through the addition of the so-called liqueur de tirage, a solution based on sugars and selected yeasts able to activate the refermentation of the wine.

In the Metodo Charmat, on the other hand, the refermentation takes place in stainless steel barrels at a controlled temperature by adding selected sugars and yeasts. The result is freshness and complex bouquet.

 

Gradation and sweetness of sparkling wine

 

A second classification is made according to sparkling wine sweetness , which is not only measured in terms of sugar residue but also based on levels of alcohol, acids and tannins. Depending on the variation of all these elements, a sparkling wine can be:

  • 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

This name is enshrined in the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 607/2009 of 14 July 2009.

 

Brut

It is defined as "brut" a sparkling wine with avery low sugar content (less than 12 grams per liter) and that is characterized by an intense flavor and pronounced acidity. Among the great classics brut sparkling wines we highlight, for example, Brut Classic Method produced by Banfi, an exceptional sparkling wine with fine and persistent perlage that delights the palate with a fresh and lively taste, slightly bitter on the finish, thanks to the strong character of the cuvée with which it is prepared (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc).

 

Extra brut

The "extra brut" sparkling wine, on the other hand, has a 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

The "dryis the one with the most sugar residue: between 17 and 32 grams per liter.. 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

The "extra dry" has a soft and velvety taste, thanks to the residual sugar between 12 and 17 grams per liter.

It goes well with equally delicate dishes, both based on fish and white meat. An excellent bottle of extra dry sparkling wine to uncork during the Christmas holidays is for example the Tener Extra Dry, the Charmat Method produced by Banfi with a pleasant aroma of exotic fruits and peach, made with quality varieties Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay.

 

What is vintage sparkling wine?

Finally, among the sparkling wines, there are some that bear on the label the words "vintage", defined as such when it is produced using at least 85% of the grapes harvested and harvested in the same vintage.

The Cuvée Aurora Alta Langa DOCG, , for example, is a very valuable vintage sparkling wine, produced from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties from the high hills of Piedmont. Its taste is intense, elegant and harmonious, with a fresh and savory finish: it is the ideal wine to accompany festive dinners, as it goes perfectly with fish dishes such as oysters and crustaceans.

Also the Cuvée Aurora Rosé Alta Langa DOCG, produced entirely with high quality Pinot Noir, is a vintage sparkling wine particularly suitable for this period of Festa: it is perfect for the aperitif, thanks to its intense and enveloping aroma, with hints of golden apple peel, Rosehip and dried fruit.

How to properly open a bottle of wine?

The wine tasting experience begins well before the tasting, when the drink is still in the bottle. From the presentation of the label, opening the bottle to the way to pour the wine into the glasses: each step should follow precise rules that the sommelier knows very well and which he puts into practice with artistry and skill.

However, even if you are not expert wine connoisseurs, you can learn some of these techniques, for example on how to open a bottle of wine the correct way to enjoy a good wine in the rules of art and amaze your guests when you bring the bottle to the table.

Knowledge how to uncork a bottle of wine è importante per non danneggiare le caratteristiche organolettiche, gli aromi e il gusto di questa bevanda. Un classico incidente, ad esempio, è il crumbling cork e che finisce all’interno della bottiglia, rendendola inservibile.

 

Tools for opening a bottle of wine

 

The most suitable tool to open a bottle of wine is the classic corkscrew, called in some Italian regions also"tirabusciò", from the French tire-bouchon that means precisely professional corkscrew, that used by sommeliers, besides being equipped with the typical spiral or "worm", the double-level extractor and the lever, is also equipped with a small blade, essential to open the capsule that wraps the neck of the sealed bottle.

This tool is practical, handy and can be used even with one hand. In other cases, as we shall see below, a blade corkscrewis used instead, consisting of two parallel blades connected to a ring. 

 

How to open wine: the basic steps

 

  • The first step to uncork a bottle of wine in the correct way is to make a small incision in the capsule with the corkscrew knife on the capsule at the height of the ring and lift it;

  • then it is recommended to clean the neck of the bottle with a napkin to remove any residue from the capsule;

  • at this point it is necessary to insert the tip of the corkscrew spiral into the centre of the cork and start screwing. It is not important that the tip penetrates the inside of the whole cap, on the contrary, it is not recommended: in doing so the risk that some particles will detach from the cap and end up in the bottle is quite high;

  • The next step involves theextraction of the cap, with the lever of the corkscrew resting on the neck of the bottle. The movement must be slow, with a slight but firm twist of the wrist to avoid breaking the cap. Contrary to popular belief, uncorking a bottle of wine in the correct way does not cause any noise when you remove the cap;

  • Once the wine bottle is uncorked, you may be prepared to examine the capto make sure that it has not broken or that there are no traces of mold or fungi that could have compromised the wine:

  • now the wine is ready to be served.

 

How to open a bottle of white wine

 

When it comes to how to open a bottle of wine, it is normal to ask whether there are differences between white and red.

The procedure is similar for both types of wine. The bottle of white wine, before being opened, must be dried with a napkinIn fact, it is usually brought to the table directly from the refrigerator or ice bucket, so it is important to dry it carefully to ensure a proper opening. 

 

How to uncork a bottle of red wine

 

Although the procedure for uncorking a bottle of red wine is similar to that described above, for red wines it is necessary to take some extra precautions before opening the bottles.

Red wines are stored in a horizontal position within a controlled environment such as the classic cellar or the more modern cellar. However, it is advisable to put them upright one day before serving to facilitate the deposition of any particles at the bottom of the bottle.

 

How to open a bottle of aged wine

 

Opening bottles of aged wine requires, as anticipated, some extra tricks. In addition to the precautions mentioned above, it is important to keep in mind that the long stay in the cellar characteristic of this wine could affect the integrity of the cap. If you use the classic corkscrew to uncork the wine bottle, you could run the risk of breaking the cap and damaging the wine.

The advice to open a bottle of aged wine is to use a corkscrew. This particular instrument is composed of two parallel blades that are inserted into the cork stopper laterally (not from above as with the traditional corkscrew). Once this is done, proceed with the rotation of the corkscrew, pulling slightly: it is thus possible to uncork the bottle of aged wine without risks.

Etruscan Balsamic Dressing

Etruscan Balsamic Dressing: history, production, characteristics and curiosities about the balsamic vinegar produced by Banfi.

 

Etruscan balsamic dressing: characteristics and production

 

The stay at Castello Banfi Wine Resortin the romantic village of Poggio alle Mura, offers unforgettable experiences, discovering the beauty and history of the Tuscan territory, rich in priceless artistic treasures, suggestive landscapes and unmistakable flavors. Among these, stands out for its uniqueness the Etruscan Balsamic Dressing, a valuable nectar similar to balsamic vinegar that accompanies the most delicious dishes of the Italian tradition.
In our Balsameria, located inside the Castle of Poggio alle Mura, we dedicate ourselves with skill and passion to the production of the Etruscan Balsamic Condiment, using the exceptionally valuable grapes grown in the area and following the traditional methods of the ancient Etruscans.

 

How it's born 

 

The production technique of Condimento Balsamico Etrusco is long and complex, with an aging that lasts for about 12 years,The result is a balsamic vinegar with a complex and spicy aroma and an inimitable taste, the result of a perfect balance of sweet and sour. The traditional
Le tradizionali white Montalcino grapes (Moscadello and Trebbiano) are raccolte harvested late and then pressed to obtain the must. Once filtered, the must is then cooked.This results in a dense, dark monster with a higher percentage of sugar.Once cooled, the cooked must is then placed in wooden barrels for a period varying from 4 to 8 months.During this time period the balsamization process takes place.

 

Production process

 

The traditional process of producing balsamic vinegar, followed in part also for the production of Banfi Etruscan Balsamic Condiment, involves the preparation of a"battery", that is to say a series of small barrels of different woods and decreasing size (60 to 25 litres).
The material used for the barrels is varied and is mainly responsible for the varied aromatic bouquet of the Etruscan Balsamic Seasoning: oak, chestnut, cherry, ash and mulberry release their aromas and contribute to enhance the olfactory complexity of this particular balsamic vinegar seasoning.
The transfer from larger to smaller barrels only involves three litres of seasoning and is a gradual processwith different retention times. The entire aging process lasts about 12 years,for a unique balsamic seasoning.

 

Characteristics 

 

The Etruscan Balsamic Seasoning is characterized by a dark brown color, full and bright and for a rich viscosity. viscositàThe nose is spicy and intoxicating, with a pleasant and harmonious acidity.Its perfume is unique and unico e complex, the result, as mentioned above, of the aging in barrels of fine wood of different material but also of the quality of the late grapes typical of the territory of Montalcino.
The taste is also unmistakable, with a wise balance of tendenze agrodolci e un sweet and sour trends pieno e ricco.

 

What to pair with Etruscan Balsamic Condiment

 

These its aromatic characteristics make it the ideal condiment for risottos of all kinds, in particular for the refined risotto risotto with strawberries and balsamic vinegar or for the more traditional risotto alla milanese.
Other first courses to be enriched with the Etruscan Balsamic Seasoning may be the fettuccine with sausage and balsamic vinegar, a dish that combines the rustic flavor of pork with the refined seasoning.
It also goes perfectly with white and red grilled meats and can be used for the preparation of tasty scaloppini or marinated fillets.It adds flavor and taste to the fish, especially if baked or wrapped. Finally, characterized by its balanced aromaticity, the Banfi Condiment is often used for the preparation of fruit and jelly based desserts gelatina.

 

The Balsameria: the birthplace of Etruscan Balsamic Condiment

 

The refined preparation of the Banfi Balsamic Condiment takes place inside the Balsameria di Castello Banfi, a place of other times that you can visit when staying at Castello Banfi Wine Resort.
The old storerooms of Castello Banfi, located under the north wing of the building, have been transformed into the place where this condiment is produced thanks to their climatic characteristics. They are reminiscent of a real miniature cellar, where you can admire the barrels of different sizes and the materials used to age the must.
On each of the barrels, placed in neat rows between the red brick columns, stands a linen cloth with a metal chain: tradition dictates that it prevents dust and insects from contaminating the product.

 

Visit the Balsameria

 

Visiting our Baslameria, therefore, is not only a gastronomic experience but also an enchanting immersion in the traditions of the Montalcino territory that, in the case of the production of the Etruscan Balsamic Condiment, date back to the time of the Etruscans.

Gift guide: what wine to give to make a good impression

If you need to bring a gift to friends or for a special occasion, there is nothing better than a good bottle of wine. good bottle of wine.

But what wine to give to make a good impression? Is it better a white or a red one? Below the guide to gifts you need to choose the best wine to give as a gift.


Choose a Banfi wine to make a good impression


The first advice to follow, whether it is wines to give for birthday or wines to give at Christmas, is to always bet on a quality wine.Buying a quality product and giving it as a gift to a loved one also means sharing with them the values and ideals of the wine producer.

A second piece of advice is to find out about the characteristics, values and production methods of the winery from which you want to buy wine.

Giving one of the our winesfor example, it means sharing the same principles as a wine-growing company which has made research and local knowledge the key to its success and spreading its ideals: valorisation of land and the people who inhabit it, the respect for the environment and territorial resources.


Gift Guide: Classic wines

If you do not know the personal tastes of the gift recipient, we suggest limiting the choice of wine to be given to the great classicsor labels of undisputed fame that even non-connoisseurs are familiar with.

A Brunello di Montalcino or a Chianti Classico are known and appreciated all over the world and represent some of the most prestigious Italian oenological excellence.

 

Gift Guide: Collector’s wines

Also the collector's wines can be a very welcome gift, both for collectors interested in the quality of the wine and for those interested in the aesthetics of the bottle. 

In the first case it will be essential to select a good vintage of production, bearing in mind that the aged red wines twenty or thirty years are considered real collector’s jewels.

In the second case, however, it is suggested to focus on bottles for special occasions or on limited editionsThis is the case, for example, of La Pettegola Limited Edition 2022the Vermentino by Banfi whose label was made by Van Orton Design.

 

Gift Guide: Meditation Wines

Meditation wines are very much in demand and appreciated. They are full-bodied, structured wines that can also be enjoyed on their own. They are perfect for tastings or to sip for a relaxing moment: if you don't know what wine to give to make a good impression, a good meditation wine perhaps accompanied by a tasting glass and a good book are the ideal choice.

 

Gift Guide: Red wine

The choice of red wine to give as a Christmas present and other special occasions is certainly guided by the personal tastes of the recipient but, as mentioned above, there are classic labels which is always nice to receive, to be uncorked for example together at a dinner with family or friends. 

The Centine Rosso, for example, is suitable to be consumed on any occasion, thanks to its balanced taste, where fullness and softness are well balanced by a good acidity. Also the Belnero is an excellent red wine to give as a gift: born from the meeting of international vines grown in the territory of Montalcino and Sangiovese, it is an elegant and full-bodied wine, with a powerful and soft structure, perfect for a meat dinner.

 

 

Gift guide: White wine

A good white wine to give is instead the Fontanelle that stands out on the nose for its intense and elegant fruity and floral aromas and that has excellent aging potential. Refined and balanced both in the bottle’s aesthetics and in the taste is finally the Principessa Gavia, a white wine to give to those who love soft wines, with a hint of acidity but with a light and varied aromatic bouquet.

How to store wine?

Tra i fattori che influenzano l’esperienza di degustazione di un vino vi è senza dubbio il suo stato di conservation: al fine di mantenere intatte le sue caratteristiche e di valorizzarne il bouquet di aromi all’apertura, è fondamentale sapere dove e how to store wine in casa quando è ancora sigillato o una volta aperte le bottiglie di vino.

 

How to store wine: factors to take into account

 

Per conservare il vino in casa in modo ottimale è importante prendere in considerazione three aspetti:

la temperatura del vino, la luminosità della stanza e la posizione della bottiglia.

 

Temperature

Temperature plays an essential role: the temperature fluctuations o temperature sbagliate possono modificare le caratteristiche organolettiche del vino e danneggiarne le peculiarità olfattive, aromatiche e di gusto, nonché ritardare o accelerare il processo di invecchiamento.

Sotto i 10° you risk the formation of small ice crystals while sopra i 18° the wine may undergo rapid maturation, as well as the loss of its original characteristics. In the case of WHITE WINES we recommend a temperature of 10°- 12°C while for the red wines a temperature between 12° e i 15°C.

 

Luminosità

I sun rays sono dannosi per la bottiglia di vino poiché possono innescare un oxidation process che ne compromette il gusto e la qualità.

Ecco perché si consiglia sempre di storing wine in dark or semi-dark places and above all never to expose it to direct contact with sunlight or phosphorescent lights.

 

Location

Un altro fattore da tenere in considerazione è la bottle position. Quindi, come conservare il vino, in orizzontale o in verticale? Il consiglio è che le bottiglie vengano disposte in horizontal position per fare in modo che il liquido bagni il tappo di sughero così da impedire l’avvio del processo di ossidazione.

I veri intenditori sanno bene che la posizione ideale è non perfettamente orizzontale: la bottiglia andrebbe infatti ulteriormente inclinata di 5° con il tappo rivolto verso l’alto. Most wine cellars have, not surprisingly, a bottle rack with precisely this inclination.

 

 

Dove è meglio conservare il vino


Cantina

Il luogo ideale dove è meglio conservare il vino è la winery perché si tratta di un ambiente buio e con una temperatura più costante rispetto ad altre stanze dell’abitazione.

Non a caso, nelle aziende vinicole la cantina è il cuore pulsante della vinificazione, lo scrigno che custodisce i wines durante il loro affinamento in botti e bottiglie e che consente la maturazione al punto giusto per prodotti di qualità.

 

Cantinette o celle frigorigere

Tuttavia, non tutti hanno la fortuna di avere una cantina. In questi casi, si può ricorrere alle wine cellars or wine librariesspecial cold rooms designed for store wine at a controlled temperature and in a horizontal position. The best models are small and compact and can accommodate numerous bottles while taking up little space. Some are real technological and design gems.

 

 

Quanto tempo si può conservare una bottiglia di vino aperto

Il vino è un prodotto “vivo”: le sue caratteristiche, infatti, mutano nel tempo. Se lasciato a lungo in bottiglia sigillata, in condizioni ottimali, i suoi profumi e suoi aromi si evolvono in strutture più complesse e articolate con il passare del tempo.

The same happens when opening a bottle: il contatto con l’aria produce delle alterazioni delle componenti organolettiche del vino. In diversi casi l’ossigenazione del vino è un procedimento che permette al vino di sprigionare al meglio le proprie caratteristiche. È il caso, ad esempio, dei vini rossi invecchiati e ben strutturati, che vanno fatti arieggiare all’interno di appositi decanter o nella bottiglia stessa prima di essere serviti.

 

Ossigenazione

 L'oxygenation, infatti, ha la funzione di riequilibrare il vino con l’ambiente circostante eliminando il cosiddetto sentore di riduzione. 

However, keeping a bottle opened for a long time ne altera le caratteristiche danneggiando il vino. Le sostanze aromatiche evaporano e può aumentare l’acidità volatile che conferisce al vino uno spiacevole gusto acido.

Quindi, quanto tempo si può conservare una bottiglia di vino aperto? It all depends on the type of wine. 

 

How to store white wine and sparkling wine

In general, the WHITE WINES should be stored at a temperature of 10° – 12°C quando la bottiglia è ancora sigillata, possibilmente in posizione orizzontale. La conservazione dopo l’apertura per i bianchi è possibile per uno/tre giorni solo se il tappo è a vite mentre per gli spumanti solo poche ore (massimo 24 ore).

 

How to store red wine

I red wines instead should be stored at a temperature between 12° e i 15°C in posizione orizzontale. Tuttavia, è consigliabile ruotarli in upright position one day before serving them on the table. Questo accorgimento favorirà infatti il deposito delle particelle sul fondo.

Christmas traditions in Tuscany

Da presepi artistici a tradizioni culinarie, scopri il momento più magico dell’anno con le prelibatezze natalizie toscane e abbinale al vino giusto.

Dicembre è uno dei periodi più suggestivi dell’anno per visitare la Toscana, complici senza dubbio l’atmosfera magica che si respira già dai primi giorni del mese nelle città d’arte come Firenze e Siena o nei borghi medievali come Poggio alle mura e Montalcino dove le tradizioni natalizie della Toscana affascinano turisti di ogni età.


Il Natale in Toscana


Il Natale in Toscana è infatti un’esperienza da fare almeno una volta nella vita, da vivere in coppia o in famiglia, circondati da bellezze paesaggistiche mozzafiato che, nel periodo natalizio, si colorano di nuove sfumature e suggestioni. Ma il Natale in Toscana è anche sinonimo di ospitalità, buon vino e buon cibo, grazie alla ricchezza della tradizione culinaria locale che mescola con sapiente armonia ingredienti di qualità e ricette della tradizione contadina, in grado di soddisfare anche i palati più esigenti.


Christmas traditions in Tuscany


Le tradizioni natalizie toscane affondano le loro radici nei tempi antichi e vengono riproposte di generazione in generazione per tenere vivo il legame con il passato e con una terra così ricca di storie, leggende, eventi e tradizioni.


Villages and cribs

Sono soprattutto i borghi a essere protagonisti delle tradizioni natalizie in Toscana: Barga, Petroio, Pescaglia e altri piccoli gioielli della valle del Serchio si trasformano durante il periodo natalizio in un vero e proprio presepe vivente a cielo aperto, dentro il quale è possibile passeggiare ammirando i capolavori dei maestri figurinai dedicati alla natività, ma anche alle tradizioni popolari. Il più affascinante è il Presepe Artistico di Petroio con oltre 100 personaggi.


Bonfires and torchlight processions

Nel piccolo borgo di Gorfigliano, nell’Alta Garfagnana, la sera della vigilia s’illumina di magia grazie allo splendore dei Natalecci, altissimi falò collocati nei punti più alti delle colline circostanti, che vengono accesi contemporaneamente al rintocco delle campane, avvolgendo il borgo in una luce magica. L’evento è una delle tradizioni natalizie della Toscana più antiche di sempre: le tecniche di costruzione del nataleccio, con rami di ginepro e castagno, sono un segreto tramandato da secoli di generazione in generazione e la competizione tra le famiglie della zona è sentita ancora oggi.
Risale a prima dell’anno Mille invece la fiaccolata di Abbadia San Salvatore, un grazioso borgo nel cuore dell’Amiata. La leggenda vuole che gli abitanti dei borghi della Via Francigena si riunissero lì per la tradizionale messa della Vigilia e che il loro percorso verso l’abbazia fosse illuminato e rischiarato da grandi falò.
The 7 dicembre invece, per la vigilia dell’Immacolata, è il comune di Gallicano a scintillare alla luce della Fiaccola, che viene accesa ritualmente nella piazza addobbata a festa, tra i canti di Natale e le colorate bancarelle dei mercatini.


What we eat at Christmas in Tuscany


Le tradizioni natalizie in Toscana sono antiche anche quando si parla di tradizioni gastronomiche. La Toscana è infatti patria delle eccellenze culinarie italiane più apprezzate in tutta la penisola e nel mondo, tra cui i vini pregiati del territorio montalcinese. Non deve stupire quindi che molte ricette natalizie siano riproposte anche in altre zone d’Italia.


Ma cosa si mangia a Natale in Toscana?


Si parte, come da tradizione, con gli appetizers a base di salumi, accompagnati da un bianco della zona, e con i crostini ai fegatelli, chiamati anche crostini neri, simbolo di una tradizione culinaria rustica e umile ma ricca di gusto.
Among the primi piatti, ritroviamo i tortellini in brodo di cappone, rigorosamente fatti a mano con pasta fresca all’uovo, e la cosiddetta ribollita di cavolo nero, una minestra a base di fagioli, verza e cavolo, servita in ciotole di terracotta. Le tradizioni natalizie della Toscana prevedono un secondo a base di carne, altra eccellenza del territorio: arrosto di chianina, fegatelli di maiale, faraona e anatra all’arancia sono le specialità tipiche di questo periodo.
Sulla tavola di Natale dei fiorentini doc non possono poi mancare i dolci tipici della Toscana: castagnaccio, panforte di Siena, ricciarelli, cantuccini rigorosamente intinti del vin santo come vuole la tradizione.


Visit our Wine Shop during the Christmas period


Tuscany is thus reconfirmed as one of the regions richest in culture and charm when it comes to Christmas traditions, which is why it is a favourite destination for many tourists in December.
Per chi sceglie di trascorrere il Natale in Toscana tra le dolci colline, il borgo di Poggio alle Mura (dove è situato Castello Banfi Wine Resort), avvolto nella suggestiva e festosa atmosfera natalizia, sembra quasi un luogo incantato, un piccolo scorcio di presepe, una romantica cartolina di auguri. Oltre che per visitare il nostro piccolo borgo, potrai scoprire le tradizioni gastronomiche della Toscana e visitare l’Enoteca di Castello Banfi Wine Resort, una vera e propria bottega toscana d’altri tempi, con il soffitto di travi a vista e il pavimento rustico. Qui potrai degustare alcuni dei migliori prodotti offerti dalla terra del Brunello: salumi, formaggi, olii e naturalmente un’ampia selezione di vini, immersi nella magica atmosfera del Natale.

Wine disgorging: what it is and what it is used for

Il procedimento di sboccatura permette l’eliminazione di sedimenti. Scopri come viene eseguita e in quale fase della produzione del vino.

What is wine disgorgement and how it is performed

La sboccatura del vino rappresenta una fase fondamentale per la produzione degli spumanti metodo classico e, nel caso di Banfi, le nostre bollicine vengono prodotte secondo questo procedimento nella cantina Banfi Piemonte situata a Strevi, in provincia di Alessandria.
Oltre alla nostra cantina visitabile immersa tra i vigneti montalcinesi presso l’incantevole e suggestiva tenuta di Castello Banfi Wine Resort, l’azienda Banfi dispone infatti anche di un’altra casa vinicola altrettanto storica con annessa una superficie di 50 ettari (di cui 46 a vigneto) in Piemonte. Qui produciamo bollicine di qualità come gli spumanti metodo classico e gli Charmat.

 

At what stage of production is the disgorging of sparkling wine carried out?

La sboccatura del vino è un procedimento che prevede l’eliminazione dei residui di fermentazione dalle bottiglie di spumante metodo classico.
The classic method sparkling wines, infatti, subiscono una seconda fermentazione in bottiglia: la cuvée di vini base, realizzata con vini pregiati del territorio (piemontese nel caso di Banfi Piemonte), viene arricchita con un liqueur de tirage, una miscela a base di zuccheri, minerali e lieviti in grado di innescare la rifermentazione del vino e la cosiddetta presa di spuma. Tale processo, però, comporta la formazione di residui e lieviti esausti, che compromettono la cristallina limpidezza che caratterizza gli spumanti italiani.

 

Processo

For this, the bottles are turned upside down and, through the complex process of remuage, whether manual or mechanical, the residues are trapped towards the neck of the bottle, inside the bidule located under the crown cap.
It is at this stage that the wine is disgorged, i.e. the crown cork with the residue is removed and the new characteristic cork that characterises classic method sparkling wines is inserted.

 

Disgorgement of wine: meaning and origin of the name

La parola “sboccatura” con la quale si designa l’intero processo di eliminazione dei residui, fa riferimento all’atto vero e proprio di stappare la bottiglia. La parola francese “dégorgement”, invece, ugualmente utilizzata in Italia per indicare questo procedimento (data la profonda influenza della cultura vinicola francese nella produzione di spumanti metodo classico) può essere tradotta alla lettera con “scarico” e fa riferimento invece all’eliminazione dei residui. I due termini sono utilizzati indistintamente come sinonimi.

 

Dégorgement: differences between manual and mechanical procedure

All’interno dell’articolato e complesso processo di produzione, la sboccatura dello spumante occupa un ruolo importante, poiché garantisce la presentazione di uno spumante limpido e cristallino, dal perlage luminoso e dalle bollicine di carattere. Un tempo quest’operazione veniva eseguita a mano, anche all’interno della cantina Banfi Piemonte, da esperti di remuage manuale e dégorgement à la volée, attraverso gesti sapienti e precisi, frutto di anni di esperienza in questo settore.

 

Dégorgement à la volée: the traditional procedure

Il dégorgement à la volée, ossia la sboccatura a mano, consiste nello stappare a mano la bottiglia capovolta, sfruttando la pressione che si è venuta a creare al suo interno durante la rifermentazione ed eliminando così i residui all’interno del tappo e della bidule. Successivamente, si procede con il raddrizzarla velocemente così da ridurre la fuoriuscita dello spumante.
In questa fase, è possibile sopperire alla perdita di liquido attraverso una procedura di rabbocco con liquer d’expedition o liquer de dosage, una miscela zuccherina che impreziosisce gli spumanti metodo classico e contribuisce ad arricchire l’esperienza sensoriale.

 

Innovazione

The difficulty of dégorgement à la volée made it essential to invent a mechanised procedure that would minimise or completely eliminate wine spillage. However, for fine formats or the most special cuvées, we still use this manual technique, which we could define a true art, the exclusive prerogative of expert master vintners, such as those at Banfi.

 

Dégorgement a la glace: the modern procedure

The mechanised procedure of disgorging wine or sparkling wine is called dégorgement a la glace. Bottles undergoing remuage are pre-washed from the pupitres (the special wooden boards on which they are placed with the neck downwards) and placed in special machines that freeze the neck of the bottle and the crown cork thanks to a special saline compound capable of bringing the liquid and sediment to a temperature between -25°C and -30°C.

 

I macchinari

The machinery then proceeds to turn the bottles upside down: unlike manual dégorgement, with dégorgement a la glace the spent yeast and other residues trapped in the bidule will be frozen, without the risk of them falling into the bottle and clouding the wine again.
It is then possible to safely remove the frozen cork (the actual disgorging of the classic method sparkling wine), top up the wine if necessary, and replace the cork with the metal cage.

 

Conclusions

The dégorgement a la glace è, come detto in precedenza, la procedura di sboccatura del vino più utilizzata dai produttori. Tuttavia, osservare un maestro vinaio che esegue il dégorgement manuale è un vero e proprio spettacolo, un’esperienza da non perdere se si ama il vino e la sua produzione secondo le antiche tradizioni.