At a glance

Producer

Tenuta Banfi

Region

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$45-$55

Tasting profile

Red cherry, plum, and earthy tobacco with floral hints; tannins tightly structured currently.

Evolution: Over 5-10 years, will develop complex tertiary aromas of leather, spice, and forest floor.

At peak: Rich, silky texture with nuanced flavors and balanced acidity delivering a long, elegant finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, providing excellent freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm and prominent, typical of Brunello di Montalcino

Alcohol

14-14.5%

Aging potential

20-30 years expected with good storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2042

Optimal window

2024 to 2045

Current status

Approaching early drinking, but best with some further aging

Current condition

Youthful tannins with bright acidity; primary fruit and emerging secondary notes

2017 is a very good vintage for Montalcino with balanced phenolics and acidity. This wine’s firm tannins and fresh acidity support a long optimum drinking window, allowing peak flavors to unfold by late 2020s.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich Tuscan dishes such as wild boar, grilled red meats, aged pecorino, and mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Opens the firm tannins and integrates flavors for a smoother palate experience.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Energy-efficient winery operations, water conservation measures, use of renewable energy, and eco-friendly packaging initiatives including lightweight bottles

Tenuta Banfi has made considerable commitments to sustainability, focusing on vineyard health, reducing chemical inputs, and improving winery energy efficiency. While not fully organic/biodynamic, they practice sustainable viticulture and continually invest in environmental responsibility, balancing quality production with environmental care.