La serving temperature of a red wine o of a white wine is a key element for proper tasting: each wine should be served at a specific temperature, which can best enhance its bouquet of aromas, body and flavour.

A correct temperature of red wine is essential to preserve all organoleptic characteristics of wine. Variations in temperature, even of a few degrees, can amplify the olfactory sensations or the taste towards a more pleasant wine or, on the contrary, damage a fine bottle, compromising the organoleptic characteristics that have been skilfully produced during ageing in fine barrels.

To assess at what temperature to store red wine, it may be useful to keep the following principles in mind:

• the higher temperatures enhance softness and the body of the wine;
• the lower temperatures refine the perception of flavour and the sweetness of wine.

In the case of red wine, this factor is even more important, as these wines have a rich and intense bouquet and a high concentration of tannins, which can be significantly influenced by temperature.

Red wine: serving and storage temperature

La serving temperature is the ideal temperature at which to serve red wine, i.e. the temperature that best enhances the qualities of the bottle and is indicated on the label.

La storage temperature is the one at which to store wine when it is not being served during meals. This does not always coincide with the room temperature. In winter and summer, in fact, the ambient temperature is far from the 20° standard referred to when talking about red wine and recommended temperature. In such cases, a brief passage of the bottle in the refrigerator may be necessary in summer to bring the wine back to the ideal temperature.

Wines should actually always be stored at a controlled temperaturee.g. in a wine cellar, in order to avoid temperature fluctuations as harmful as humidity and the action of direct light. It is advisable to set the temperature of red wine in the wine cellar between 12°C and 16°C.

At what temperature do you drink red wine?

• I full-bodied red wineswith an important structure and high tannin content, are served at a temperature of 16-18°Cwhich is the ideal temperature to maintain the right balance between softness and hardness and to enhance the broad bouquet of aromas that such full-bodied wines contain;
• i medium-structured red wines are instead served at a slightly lower temperature:14-16°C;
• i young red wines or young winesFinally, they are served at a temperature of 13-14°C.

Which red wine goes in the fridge?

Certain types of red wine express their organoleptic properties best thanks to a short stay in the refrigeratorespecially at those times of the year when temperatures can exceed 20°., i.e. the threshold beyond which the properties of red wines, in particular sweetness and alcohol content, may be altered by heat.

In summer they prefer fresh, light red wines, with a modest presence of tannins, a complex floral bouquet and a good degree of acidity that can be further enhanced by a short passage in the refrigerator before tasting. These include, for example, the Stilnovoa fresh, light red wine with fruity notes that tantalise the palate and the barely perceptible presence of tannins, to be served at a temperature of 16-18°C.

Ideal temperature of Banfi red wine

In the wide range of wines produced by Banfi - A range that continues to expand thanks to in-depth knowledge of the territory and ongoing research - Banfi boasts several bottles of red wines. Here is an overview of the ideal temperature of Banfi red wines most popular.

The Rosso di Montalcino, with a complex and well-balanced structure, persistent finish and marked acidity, has a suggested serving temperature of 16°C which enhances the blackberry and raspberry scents enhanced by notes of coffee and tobacco that characterise this wine.

Also the Brunello di Montalcino, with its sweet and fruity aroma enriched by notes of pipe tobacco and its lively and powerful structure, is served at a temperature of 16-18°C. This reinforces the perfect balance already present in the bottle between the softness of the tannins and the persistent acidity of this red wine.

The wine Centine Toscana IGTmade from a blend of exceptionally fine red varieties, has a full, rounded structure with a very balanced finish; its complex bouquet of aromas, a skilful fusion of sweet and spicy notes, is enhanced by a red wine serving temperature of 16°C.

The acidic freshness of red wine The Other recommends a temperature of 16°C which, as is the case for all medium-structured red wines, is the ideal temperature to bring out the sweetness of the tannins and allow the floral hints of violets in this wine to flourish.

Also the Belnero, a red wine with an intense and elegant aroma, with notes of ripe fruit and vanilla, releases its delicate perfume at a temperature of 16°C.

In conclusion, we always recommend following the label or manufacturer's advice to find the right temperature of red wine.

Vivi l’esperienza unica del pernottamento in un castello: scopri subito la lista dei luoghi più belli dove dormire in Tuscany.

Esperienze uniche: dove dormire in Toscana

Dormire in un castello medievale è un’esperienza romantica e alternativa, ad esempio per festeggiare un anniversario o un’altra occasione speciale. La Tuscany è una delle mete più ambite per questo tipo di soggiorni, grazie alla bellezza del paesaggio e alla presenza di numerosi e incantevoli borghi medievali, piccoli gioielli arroccati sulle colline e circondati da prati verdi coltivati a vigneti.
The Tuscan landscape is in fact, due to both its geographical conformation and its history, rich in castles, outposts and fortresses that in recent years have been renovated and transformed into resorts, ideal for those who want to stay in a castle and rediscover the values and beauty of these lands.
And it is from the desire to bring to light the historical and naturalistic wonders of these small villages and from a pioneering and far-sighted vision that Castello Banfi Il Borgo was born.
In the enchanting village of Poggio alle mura, it is possible to stay in some rooms of an authentic medieval castle and immerse oneself in a fairytale atmosphere.

Overnight stay in a castle: what to expect

The most fascinating aspect of an overnight stay in a castle is that of being in a unique, ancient and evocative setting that recalls the splendours of the past. The silhouettes of the towers soaring against the blue Tuscan sky, the winding streets leading to the entrance of the castle, the view of the hills and vineyards are the ideal backdrop for a unique stay.

Comfort and luxury in a fairytale setting

Soggiornare in un castello è anche sinonimo di lusso, ricercatezza, cura dei dettagli e assistenza eccellente per gli ospiti: resort come quello di Castello Banfi offrono tutti i comfort di una struttura ricettiva di lusso con il vantaggio di trovarsi in una cornice magica e suggestiva.

From the refurbished and stylishly furnished rooms at Hotel Il Borgo to the meals served in the shadow of the castle in the La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, from the impeccable welcome to the tasting of typical local products, everything is carefully designed to give those who choose to stay in a castle an unforgettable experience.

Experiences outside the castle

Ma la magia di un week end di un castello in Toscana si estende anche al territorio circostante: oltre al relax in un ambiente elegante, raffinato e in perfetta armonia con la natura circostante, Castello Banfi  offre la possibilità di esplorare le colline toscane con escursioni e visite guidate tra gli incantevoli paesaggi che circondano il castello. E ancora, tour enogastronomici presso le aziende locali o wine tour.

Poggia Castle at the Banfi Walls

Presso il Castello Banfi è possibile vivere tutte queste esperienze, insieme all’ospitalità e all’eccellenza che caratterizza l’azienda vinicola Banfi.

Common spaces

The common areas have been designed to offer guests both social and intimate moments within the castle's magical setting. The Reading Room, with its suggestive view of the castle's second courtyard, is ideal for enjoying a good book accompanied by a fine glass, while the Pergola, with its white rose garden and view of the valley, offers an enchanting glimpse of the Tuscan landscape and a romantic place to stroll. Technology, comfort and luxury are reflected in the heated outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Tuscan hills.

Restaurants

Two delightful and refined restaurants within the resort - La Taverna restaurant and La Sala del Grappolo restaurant - add to the pleasure of staying in a castle that of sampling local delicacies and zero-kilometre quality products skilfully used by top chefs to create veritable culinary masterpieces.

The rooms

The rooms and suites, finely furnished by renowned interior architect Federico Forquet and decorated with exclusive accessories, make the experience of sleeping in a castle even more comfortable and refined. Finally, the division of space offers the possibility of fully enjoying moments of relaxation and intimacy within the castle walls, while the furnishings contribute to maximum comfort and elegance for guests.

L’origine del vino è antichissima e le testimonianze su chi ha inventato questo pregiato prodotto si perdono nel passato più antico. The history of wine, infatti, si intreccia con quella delle più antiche civiltà, con i miti della fondazione, con i grandi eroi della letteratura del passato e con la religiosità intrinseca nella cultura dei popoli primitivi. È una storia fatta di scoperte, di invenzioni e di innovazioni, e noi di Banfi we are proud to have left our mark on the history of the wine as pioneers dell’innovazione tecnologica unita alla tradizione.

Molte sono le civiltà o i personaggi a cui è stata attribuita l’invenzione del vinobut currently scholars are unable to state with certainty who invented wine and where. However, given the great interest aroused by the history of wine among producers and connoisseurs of this beverage, archaeologists and experts continue to investigate, bringing back ever new information that locates the birth of wine in different places and times.

Etymology of the word wine

La parola italiana “vino”, che si mantiene piuttosto simile in quasi tutte le lingue romanze e non solo, deriva dal Latin “vinum” che, a sua volta, trae origine dal greco classico “οἶνος”. L’origine comune della parola in tutte le civiltà di Indo-European derivation testimonierebbe l’antichità di questa bevanda.

L’utilizzo di questa parola latina si sarebbe poi diffusa ai popoli che parlavano umbro, osco, falisco, leponzio e, successivamente, anche nelle Celtic and Germanic languages. Also the Slavic terms used to refer to this drink seem to derive from the Latin loan.

According to other theories, the term would instead derive from the Sanskrit word “vene”, caratterizzata dalla stessa radice di Venere, nome della dea romana dell’amore e del piacere, a connotazione della vocazione del vino legata al enjoyment and the pleasure same.

Chi ha inventato il vino, secondo le diverse mitologie

Le grandi civiltà delle origini, dedite al consumo di vino sia per scopi rituali che per quelli di intrattenimento, hanno prodotto diversi miti di fondazione riguardanti la coltivazione della vite e la trasformazione dell’uva in vino. Myths that still fascinate today and gave rise to mythological figures, such as the Greek god Bacchus, who became emblems of wine and its history.

Old Testament and Christianity

According to biblical accounts, l’inventore del vino è Noè che, dopo il Diluvio Universale, avendo trovato uno dei rami che Adamo aveva sottratto dal paradiso terrestre, piantò la prima vite e, trovati deliziosi i frutti, imparò a coltivarla sistematicamente e a ricavare il vino dai suoi grappoli. Ma questa non è l’unica attestazione del vino e della vite nell’Antico Testamento: alcune tradizioni vedono proprio nella vite e non nella mela il frutto proibito che comportò la cacciata di Adam and Eve dal giardino dell’Eden. Il tema del vino ritorna poi anche nel Christianity, dove questa bevanda assume una funzione fondamentale durante l’Eucarestia, diventando il simbolo del sangue di Gesù Cristo.

Persia

Per i persiani, la scoperta del vino si intreccia invece con le imprese eroiche dello scià Jamshidwho received the vine seed as a gift in thanks for saving the life of a magical creature. Legend has it that when the grapes of the vine, once gathered in the jars, began to give off a bad smell, Jamshid had the jars hidden in the cellar, labelling them as poison. Una delle sue concubine, decisa a togliersi la vita per essere stata trascurata dal suo signore, bevve la bevanda ritenuta veleno ma anziché perire,scoprì gli effetti benefici del vino e informò subito il sovrano della sua scoperta, riguadagnandone il favore.

Who invented wine according to the Greeks

According to Greek mythology, the god Dionysus (Bacco per i romani), figlio di Zeus e della ninfa Semele, è chi ha inventato il vino. Il dio, giocando con gli acini d’uva tra le mani, ne fece scorrere il liquido dolciastro e, una volta assaggiatolo, fu colto da uno stato di allegria ed ebrezza. Scoprì poi che, più lo si lasciava riposare, migliore era il sapore. Inoltre, la stessa vite non sarebbe altro che il corpo di Ampelothe young boy loved by the god, transformed into a vine after his tragic death.

Dove è nato il vino: le scoperte archeologiche

Nonostante una delle credenze più diffuse collochi l’invenzione del vino in Egyptarchaeological evidence places the first production of wine in the Caucasus area around 10 thousand years ago. La più antica giara di vino mai rinvenuta (risalente al 5.100 a.C.) è stata scoperta infatti in un villaggio neolitico nella parte settentrionale dell’Iran mentre la più antica “winery” risale al 4.100 a.C. con sedein Armenia. Qui è stata infatti rinvenuta una grotta adibita alla fermentazione e produzione del vino, dove ancora oggi cresce spontanea l’uva selvativa.

Dal punto di vista della coltivazione, invece, la presenza della vitis vinifera, la pianta da cui ha origine la vite, è attestata in China since around 7,000 BC, in Georgia from 6,000 BC, in Iran since 5000 BC, in Greece since 4500 BC, on the banks of the Caspian Sea and in the Turkey eastern.

Over the years, there have been numerous archaeological studies volti a confermare le diverse teorie sulla nascita del vino e a scoprire dove sia nato il vino. Le scoperte più recenti sembrano avvalorare la tesi più diffusa che vede nel Caucasus il luogo di origine del vino. Tra il 2007 e il 2010, in questa regione, è stata portata alla luce nei pressi del fiume Arpa una cave with 3 rooms entirely dedicated to winemaking.

Oltre ad alcuni semi divitis vinifera,gli studiosi hanno rinvenuto una cantina con una pressa per l’uva e un serbatoio per la fermentazione, insieme a diversi contenitori per il vino. I manufatti fanno dating the site to 4,100 BC. approx., ossia diversi secoli prima di quella considerata fino a poco tempo fa la più antica testimonianza di vinificazione della storia: un bassorilievo in una tomba dell’Antico Egitto datato intorno al 2.500 a.C.

Wine: a history of innovations and inventions

Retrace the history of wine, del suo impiego presso le antiche civiltà e delle invenzioni che hanno portato alla nascita della bottiglia così come è conosciuta oggi è un percorso lungo e affascinante, ma che sottolinea ancora di più lo stretto legame dell’uomo con il vino.

Antichità

In the ancient world, wine was considered a fine drink.

IFenicine furono i più grandi produttori dell’epoca e, con i loro commerci, diffusero le tecniche di produzione del vino in tutto il Mediterraneo. Ma è in Greece and Rome che nasce una vera e propria cultura del vino, grazie all’importanza che i greci e i romani davano al Dio Bacco/Dioniso durante le loro celebrazioni. Tuttavia, per contrastare lo stato di ebrezza dato dal vino, ritenuto poco consono ai costumi dell’epoca, i romani avevano l’abitudine di diluirlo con l’acqua.

Middle Ages

Nel Medioevo l’Use of wine in the Eucharistic liturgy favorì la trasmissione delle antiche tecniche vinicole, nonché la creazione della “ricetta” del vino così come la conosciamo oggi, senza gli aromi e le erbe con i quali invece gli antichi arricchivano la bevanda.

Età moderna e invenzioni

Nell’età moderna si attestano le grandi scoperte alimentari del XV-XVIII secolo, ad esempio della birra, del tè e della cioccolata, che arrivano in Europa mentre il vino inizia a essere esportato in the New World.

Nonostante i manufatti in vetro abbiano fatto parte della cultura materiale dell’uomo fin dalla Preistoria, così come il vino, è solo nel ‘600 che viene prodotta la prima bottiglia da vino, la cosiddetta “English Bottle”, antenata delle moderne bottiglie. Alcune fonti ne attribuiscono la paternità al filosofo e pensatore inglese Kenelm Digby, sebbene la bottiglia di vetro da vino sia stata brevettata dall’ufficiale della British Royal Navy John Colnettin followed.

Un’ulteriore tappa fondamentale nella storia del vino è stata l’invenzione del tappo di sughero che, grazie alla sua porosità, crea un perfetto equilibrio tra l’aria contenuta nella bottiglia e quella esterna, permettendo il processo di invecchiamento.

Although it is not known for sure who invented wine, è certo che la sua invenzione ha lasciato un segno nella nostra storia agroalimentare.

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

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

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

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

To every wine its own glass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many glasses with a bottle of sparkling wine?

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

Dessert wines: how many glasses

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

The tasting glass

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

Questo calice ha una forma particolare, con una pancia di medie dimensioni e un’apertura più stretta rispetto ad essa, che consente una perfetta concentrazione degli aromi. Per una degustazione, la quantità di vino versato deve essere di circa 50- 100ml. Di conseguenza, da una bottiglia si potranno ricavare dai 7 ai 15 bicchieri circa.

Durante il tuo soggiorno presso Castello Banfi non mancare una visita ai borghi più suggestivi della Toscana. Ecco i nostri consigli.

5 borghi da non perdere in Toscana

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

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

The most beautiful villages to visit

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

Montalcino

Montalcino owes its fame to the famous Brunello and other fine wines that are born on the hills surrounding this village, as well as being one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany to visit. In fact, it is a place full of charm, with evocative landscapes and historical monuments, but also culturally lively, not only for those who love good wine.
Il principale punto d’interesse è l’imponente fortezza di Montalcino, una rocca che domina la vallata sottostante e che in estate diventa la location d’eccezione per il Jazz & Wine in Montalcino. Altri luoghi da visitare assolutamente sono il Duomo di Montalcino, che ospita un bellissimo organo a canne, e il Palazzo dei Priori (oggi sede del Comune), con una torre alta e stretta tipica dell’architettura comunale.

Sant'Angelo in Colle

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

Castiglione d'Orcia

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

Santa Fiora

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

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

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

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

Where to stay to visit villages in Tuscany?

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

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

When is the grape harvest in Tuscany?

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

Uno dei paesaggi che attira sempre più turisti è quello lussureggiante delle colline toscane, dove si estendono i filari d’uva e dove si trovano i più eleganti wine resort, come quello di Castello Banfi. Tra i periodi dell’anno ideali per visitare la Toscana vi è quello della vendemmia.

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

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

La Tuscany, proprio per la varietà del suo paesaggio e delle relative condizioni climatiche e caratteristiche del suolo, ospita vitigni con diversi periodi di maturazione. A seconda delle caratteristiche della vigna, quindi, la vendemmia può essere fatta da fine agosto a inizio ottobre.

When is the grape harvest in other regions of Italy?

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

How to know when to harvest?

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

• colore,
• rapporto tra acidi e zuccheri.

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

Tradition and technology to know when to harvest

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

1. come prima cosa si esegue l’analisi tattile, comprimendo l’acino tra le dita per valutare la sua consistenza: più è morbido, più è maturo;
2. We then move on to visual analysis. As mentioned earlier, an assessment is made as to whether the colour of the berry corresponds to expectations;
3. Finally, the taste examination is carried out, assessing the degree of acidity and tannic intensity of the skin.

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

Where to stay to attend the grape harvest in Tuscany?

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

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

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

Although the name of Montalcino is mainly linked to the production of Brunello, one of the most appreciated red wines in the world, in the Montalcino area certainly not lacking white wines able to compete with it in quality and character.

Indeed, the white wines of Montalcino have the great merit of telling the story of this sun-kissed corner of Tuscany, embellished by vines that extend as far as the eye can see, and of encapsulating the character and strength of this land in a goblet.

Moscadello: the historic white of Montalcino

The true historic wine of Montalcino, known and appreciated since the Renaissance, is indeed a white wine: Moscadello, whose excellence has been extolled by poets and writers who have had the good fortune to taste it.

As early as the 16th century,Sante Lacerio, historian of oenology and Pope Paul III's wine steward, appreciated its sweet and moderately sweet taste, while his contemporary, the writer Paolo Aretino, thanked a friend for receiving a bottle of Moscadello as a gift, 'tondotto, leggiero, e di quel frizzante iscarico che par che biascia'. E Ugo FoscoloDuring his stay in Florence, he used to lift his spirits from the adversities of life with a glass of Moscadello.

The fame of Moscadello as one of the most renowned white wines of Montalcino in the whole of Tuscany lasted until the 19th century, even withstanding competition from the now more famous Brunello, which has become the symbol of Montalcino. However, at the turn of the 19th and early 20th century, almost all of Tuscany's moscadella grape varieties were destroyed by the vine phylloxera attack. It is only in recent years that its cultivation has been relaunched by companies deeply linked to the Montalcino area, its history and its true oenological vocation, like we at Banfi.

The varieties cultivated in Montalcino

In the Montalcino area, they cultivate different varieties of white grapes from which fine white wines are made.

The most common grape varieties are Chardonnaythe Pinot Grigiothe Sauvignon Blance Brunello Moscadelloall varieties that are well adapted to the Tuscan climate and in particular to the hills surrounding Castello Banfia few kilometres from Montalcino, the iconic symbol of the winery. Here, then, are the Montalcino white wines produced by us.

San Angelo Pinot Grigio

The San Angelo is a rich wine, pleasant to the nose and palate. Its bouquet is heady, with a rich floral bouquet and hints of citrus fruits, while in the mouth, acidity and savouriness come together in a delicate balance. The finish is long and persistent. A structured and smooth Pinot Grigio that proves to be a pleasant surprise.

is born. from Pinot Grigio grown in the estate's vineyards and is perfect to accompany light fish dishesespecially crustaceans and shellfish or seafood salads, but it is also at its best with white meats and grilled vegetables. Also perfect as aperitif wine, this white wine from Montalcino goes very well with tasty Tuscan cheeses and it is recommended to serve it at the temperature of 10°-12°C.

Fontanelle Chardonnay

The Fontanelle is the must-have bottle in every wine lover's private cellar. Born from the best selection of Chardonnay produced on the Banfi estate and, thanks to ageing in French oak, acquires that hint of elderberry and vanilla that makes it so appreciated by the most refined palates.

Like all white wines from the Montalcino area, Fontanelle is deeply tied to the terroir, with a soft and well-balanced structure, complex but at the same time elegant and refined with a lingering finish.

It is ideal to uncork during a romantic dinner or festive occasion, especially if the menu includes elaborate fish dishessuch as linguine with lobster or stuffed squid. However, the potential of this wine also to accompany the white meatgrilled or baked. It is recommended to serve it at temperature of 12°-14°C.

Serena Sauvignon Blanc

The Serena, among the white wines of Montalcino produced by Banfi encapsulates all the soul of Montalcino, the superb landscapes of the village and surrounding hills, the passion of those who work in the vineyards as they once did, and the scent of freshly harvested grapes.

It is produced by Sauvignon Blanc grown on the Banfi estate and made unique by the soil characteristics and microclimate of the Montalcino area. Serena has an intense perfume characteristic of the variety, with hints of nettle and tomato leaves, and a rich, persistent flavour.

A strong wine like this needs to be matched with dishes with characterelaborate fish recipes for both starters and main courses. And if you love vegetarian cuisineThere is no better Montalcino white wine than this: its slightly spicy flavour makes it the ideal wine to pair with seasonal vegetables. We recommend serving it with temperature of 10°-12°C.

FloruS Moscadello di Montalcino Late Harvest

The FloruS is a late harvest Moscadello di Montalcino D.O.C. and is the perfect bottle to uncork at the end of the meal if you want to end a dinner with family or friends on a high note. It is a dessert wine extremely balanced, in which the sweetness of the residual sugars and good acidity alternate to create a balanced and silky winewith a very persistent finish, almost a passito.

It can be paired with desserts of all kinds, but its fruity aromas and velvety texture are enhanced even more when accompanied by dry sweets such as ricciarelli or cantuccitypical of Tuscan pastries. It is also perfect with mature cheeses. We suggest serving the FloruS at the temperature of 10°-12°C.

Il Brunello di Montalcino è uno dei wines rossi italiani più apprezzati dagli intenditori di tutto il mondo. Vino di grande spessore e profondità, dai profumi intensi e sapore pieno ed elegante, rimanda alla mente il territorio da cui proviene.

Per il Brunello di Montalcino si preferisce l’pairing with dishes succulent with a strong and intense flavour, structured and rich in sauces.

Brunello di Montalcino: the wine's characteristics

The colour è rosso intenso, rubino, con riflessi color granato, che lo rendono inconfondibile anche al primo sguardo. Il perfume è molto dolce, con sentori di frutta fresca che si sposano elegantemente con note di tabacco e liquirizia. La structure è potente, con un ottimo equilibrio tra carica tannica e aciditàwhich pleasantly tantalises the palate.

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

How to pair Brunello di Montalcino

Una volta apprese le caratteristiche pregiate di questo vino, sorge spontanea la domanda “how to pair Brunello di Montalcino?”

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

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

La forte presenza di tannini, infatti, potrebbe risultare un po’ dura ai palati più sensibili, creando quindi una spiacevole sensazione di secchezza: sauces, gravies and creams help to diminish this sensation, creating a very pleasant and refined contrast of flavours.

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

Starters

Partendo dagli antipasti, l’abbinamento più indicato è quello con i mature cheeses e perfetti quelli della Val D’Orcia come il Pecorino di Pienza matured in Barriquethe right combination to savour the taste of genuine Tuscany.

The first

All mushroom and truffle recipes si sposano alla perfezione con il Brunello di Montalcino, anche se l’abbinamento più consigliato è di sicuro quello con le pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale or with the picianother type of handmade pasta typical of Tuscany.

Meats

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

Uno dei piatti della cucina toscana da abbinare al Brunello di Montalcino è, ad esempio, il peposo, uno stracotto tenerissimo che cuoce lentamente per quasi tre ore all’interno di un tegame di rame, con salsa densa e avvolgente. In alternativa, questo vino si abbina in modo sublime anche agli meat roasts.

Tra le ricette a base di selvaggina che si abbinano con il Brunello di Montalcino c’è senza dubbio anche l’anatraseared and served on a reduction of onions and balsamic vinegar.

Sweets

How to pair Brunello di Montalcino with dessert? Questo rosso d’autore non è propriamente un vino da dolce, ma il suo gusto deciso può essere esaltato se accompagnato da biscuits and dark chocolates with liquor filling.

Tips on how to serve Brunello di Montalcino

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

Since it is a very full-bodied wine, it is advisable to open it some time in advance, as well as to decant it into a crystal carafe prima di servirlo a tavola, se si tratta di un vino d’annata: l’ossigeno dell’aria risveglierà le qualità e gli aromi assopiti durante il lungo riposo in bottiglia.

La temperatura ideale è di 16-18°Cwhile the glass recommended must have a wide, pot-bellied shapeto accommodate all the fragrances that make up its inimitable perfume.

É importante sapere che non bisogna essere dei sommelier professionisti per sapere fare una tasting di vini: basta seguire some tips on wine tasting.

Practical tips for tasting wine

Il primo consiglio per degustare il vino è quello di do not compromise your senses prima della degustazione. Ciò significa evitare di mangiare cibi pesanti, di masticare chewing gum o di fumare, ma anche di non utilizzare profumi o creme dalla fragranza troppo forte, perché potrebbero alterare le percezioni olfattive.

Il secondo suggerimento è di iniziare sempre dai vini più leggeri e proseguire con quelli man mano più corposi e strutturati.

Il terzo consiglio è quello di do not touch the chalice with your handsHold the glass by the stem to prevent the heat of your hand from affecting the temperature of the wine.

Degustare un vino: un’esperienza multisensoriale

Degustare un vino è un’esperienza completa dal punto di vista multisensoriale perché, come abbiamo visto, coinvolge la maggior parte dei sensi: la vista, l’olfatto e il palato.

The view

Il primo senso coinvolto in una degustazione di vini è la view: dal suo aspetto si possono già capire molte delle sue proprietà organolettiche, che durante le fasi successive della degustazione potranno essere confermate o meno. Le caratteristiche da tenere presente durante l’esame visivo sono:

• colour
• clarity
• consistency
• effervescence

Colore: bianco, rosso o rosé? E quali sono l’intensità e la tonalità? La varietà del vitigno, il processo di vinificazione, l’età del vino, la zona di produzione sono solo alcuni dei fattori che incidono su questo aspetto.

La seconda fase è la valutazione della clarity e della trasparenza, vale a dire la capacità o meno di far trasparire la luce e l’eventuale presenza di impurità o residui. Per farlo è necessario inclinare il calice di 45° su un fondo bianco e con una buona illuminazione.

Poi c’è la consistency del vino, legata al contenuto di sostanze diverse dall’acqua e responsabili del suo profilo organolettico. Per esaminarla sarà necessario roteare il vino nel bicchiere per valutarne la fluidità, il primo dei motivi del notissimo gesto divenuto simbolo per antonomasia della degustazione di un vino.

Si potranno così osservare goccioline di vino che scendono lungo le pareti (in italiano si parla di “bows”, in francese di “lacrime”). I vini più corposi, pesanti e ben strutturati scenderanno più lentamente, mentre i vini più leggeri, in particolare i vini bianchi, scenderanno più velocemente.

L’effervescenza è probabilmente la prima cosa che osserviamo nei vini spumantizzati o frizzanti. È lo sviluppo di bollicine, il perlage, che si forma dopo l’apertura di una bottiglia, conseguenza della liberazione di anidride carbonica che dissolvendosi fa liberare il gas, le cui bollicine creano la spuma tipica di questi vini.

L’olfatto

Una volta superato l’esame visivo, si passa a quello olfactory, forse la parte più importante, ma anche la più difficile: è infatti necessaria molta pratica per riuscire a cogliere tutte le note olfattive. Tutti i vini presentano dei profumi che sono riconducibili ad oltre 200 diversi tipi di sostanze presenti in quantità anche minime nel vino, la cui combinazione produce un bouquet aromatico diverso da vino a vino, ma anche, in funzione delle condizioni di conservazione, da bottiglia a bottiglia.

L’odore di tappo, forse è riconoscibile anche ai meno esperti, mentre possono volerci diversi tentativi per identify the countless fragrances that constitute the aroma of a wine.

Il nostro consiglio pratico su come degustare il vino con il naso è di proceed in two three stages:

• at first,bring the rim of the goblet to your nose, inhale deeply e poi allontanate il bicchiere, cercando di individuare il profumo più caratteristico;
• subsequently,   swirl the glass;
• at this point, bring your glass closer to your nose and sniff again to pick up the different notes.

Taste

L’assaggio del vino è l’ultimo passaggio della degustazione e consiste principalmente nella valutazione delle sensazioni gustative che si percepiscono durante la permanenza del vino nel cavo orale. Le diverse sostanze presenti nel vino interagiscono con le papille gustative della lingua producendo degli stimoli che vengono poi passati in forma di impulsi nervosi al cervello. Inoltre, le gengive ed il cavo orale sono soggetti a stimoli di carattere “tattile” che producono a loro volta delle sensazioni, che vengono poi inviate al cervello in forma di impulsi.

How do we proceed?

The sip must be discreet ed essere fatto cercando di inghiottire meno aria possibile. Assaggiate il vino con tutto il palato, non solo con la lingua, facendo in modo di distinguere, oltre ovviamente al sapore, anche la consistenza e la viscosità, e hold it in your mouth for as long as you need. Wait a few seconds to make sure of the aftertaste.

If you want to put our tips on wine tasting, la nostra cantina è felice di ospitarvi per diversi tour di degustazione in compagnia di sommelier professionali.

The magic of a castle nestled in the Tuscan hills: discover Castello Banfi's packages and enjoy a unique experience of wine and relaxation.

Castello Banfi: the resort in the Tuscan hills

Tuscany is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for Italian and foreign tourists, especially for those who are looking for a relaxing weekend away from city stress or who want to experience close contact with nature, but without sacrificing comfort and good food. The ideal solution for visiting the land of Brunello and Chianti is to look for a resort immersed in the Tuscan hills.

Tuscan hills and resorts

The Tuscan hills are one of the symbols of this region, not only because the landscape is predominantly hilly, but because of the synergy that has been created over the centuries between man and the land. When we think of the Tuscan hills, in fact, the first image that comes to mind is not that of uncultivated and wild nature, but that of orderly rows of vines, fragrant groves of olive trees, cultivated fields and small villages, in a perfect blend of natural and man-made landscape.
And, amidst the beauty of the hills in Tuscany, there are agritourisms and resorts, excellent accommodation facilities that are perfectly integrated into the landscape, indeed, able to enhance it even more. One example is the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, an accommodation facility in the Tuscan hills in the village of Poggio alle Mura.

Castello Banfi

Soggiornare a Castello Banfi significa vivere la magia di un castello senza rinunciare all’autenticità della Toscana, svegliandosi ogni giorno in un incantevole borgo medievale, passeggiando tra vigneti e uliveti, rallegrando il palato con buon vino e cibo tradizionale, e godendosi l’ospitalità toscana.

The magic of a castle

Castello Banfi è un affascinante fortezza costruita tra il IX e XIII secolo su un’antica villa romana, in una posizione privilegiata tra Siena e la Maremma. Il turista in cerca di un resort tra le colline in Toscana non può far a meno di ammirare questa sagoma imponente ed elegante che svetta tra le verdi colline e i campi coltivati, suggestiva e affascinante come quella di un castello fiabesco.

And the atmosphere one breathes is that of a fairytale, making this castle the ideal destination for those in search of a romantic holiday in Tuscany. Castello Banfi Wine Resort, in fact, offers the possibility of staying in the beautiful Hotel Il Borgo, a refined and exclusive structure with beautiful rooms and suites furnished in the Tuscan style and equipped with all comforts.

In the old cellars of the castle is La Taverna, a characteristic restaurant where you can breathe in an atmosphere of times gone by and where you can taste traditional Tuscan dishes made even more authentic and delicious by the use of fresh and genuine ingredients grown right in the Tuscan hills.

In the shadow of the castle is the elegant La Sala dei Grappoli (starred) restaurant, where the authenticity of old-fashioned flavours meet the creativity and ingenuity of our chef, and where you can treat yourself to a truly unique culinary experience.

Lots of outdoor activities

Castello Banfi ha anche un lato “avventuroso” e vivace: le attività sportive da fare mentre si alloggia in questo resort nelle colline toscane sono moltissime, e adatte a tutti. Chi vuole stare a stretto contatto con la natura non può perdersi le bellissime passeggiate a cavallo o le escursioni in mountain bike in Val d’Orcia, mentre chi cerca il relax all’ombra del castello può approfittare dei diversi massaggi prenotabili presso la struttura.

Golf is also one of the activities that can be enjoyed in the area. For our guests, we personally organise a day or half-day at one of the golf courses in the area, taking care of the bookings and organisation, and leaving the guests with nothing but the fun.