2017 Castello Banfi Cum Laude

The Cum Laude grapes come from the Estate vineyards, located on the southern slopes of Montalcino. The Syrah grapes come from vineyards at 120 meters above sea level and those from the Sangiovese at 230 meters. The grapes, all separately, first undergo cold soaking, followed by alcoholic fermentation for about 2 days and then malolatic fermentation and maturation for 6 months of the wine in oak barrels. After this, the blend is created. The wine is then aged for another 6 months or in wood, after which it is bottled and matured for another 6 months in the bottle. This is one of those famous Super Tuscans that gave Italian wines a new boost in the 1980s. The result is a dark red wine with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, olive, tobacco. Due to the wood aging, the tannins are soft. The Cum Laude comes from the so-called Linea Sant'Antimo series. 92/100 Suckling

Brunello di Montalcino is a special wine region, but within Brunello Banfi is a special winery. About 800 hectares of vineyards have been planted on the estate of no less than 2830 hectares, making Castello Banfi by far the largest and most important producer of Brunello di Montalcino. In addition, all kinds of other wines are made on the basis of the region's own grapes or imported grape varieties such as chardonnay or pinot grigio. The estate is dominated by a beautifully restored medieval castle, which houses a glass museum, a wine shop and two restaurants. This makes it more than worth a visit.