Castello Banfi is well-known around the world. Its widely distributed Brunellos are a fine example of the appellation. Banfi is one of the largest vineyard holders of Montalcino, and is an example of quality and quantity going hand in hand. The winery’s restless quest for quality has made it one

Located in the northwest side of Montalcino, the tiny estate of San Polino produces beautiful hand-crafted Brunellos, which James describes as “luscious and balanced”. Luigi Fabbro, owner and winemaker at San Polino, is cautious to say that 2010 is the vintage of a lifetime, but is convinced about the unique

The 2010 is proving to be one of the great vintages across the board in Italy and Brunello di Montalcino is at the forefront of the vintage’s success. Some producers claim that it is already the vintage of the century; others more prudent say that it is the best vintage

For Vincenzo Abbruzzese, owner and winemaker of Valdicava, the 2010 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino is the vintage of the century and certainly the best one he has ever made. Vincenzo has been making wine at Valdicava for more than 30 years; his intense dedication to the vineyard and clinical

Giacomo Neri, owner and winemaker of Casanova di Neri, is certain that the quality of the 2010 vintage was dictated by the moderated climate that prevailed throughout the season. As his son and assistant winemaker Giovanni Neri explains, it was a combination of the quantity of rainfall during the spring,

The year 2010 for Brunello di Montalcino is the greatest modern vintage of Italy’s most famous red wine region. Never have the wines been so profound in quality, character, and quantity from the best hillside vineyards of Montalcino. They represent a new paradigm for Tuscany’s unique sangiovese-based red.  “The 2010

I have seen a number of comments from people who say that the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Riservas are poor quality, but this just isn’t the case. Of course, it is not a great vintage and not many wineries made a riserva in 2008, but what I tasted a few

The more I taste 2007 Brunello di Montalcinos, the better they appear, especially against the 2008s. They have so much beautiful ripe fruit and velvety tannins, yet they are firming up now, showing more tension and structure. It is a truly classic vintage. Meanwhile, the 2008 Brunellos continue to show

It’s strange to think of Montalcino without Franco Biondi Santi, whose family arguably created the great wines of Brunello di Montalcino. The icon of Brunello died April 7 at 91 years old. I had just visited Franco last year, after I had promised to come and taste his newest vintages