Brunello di Montalcino (1981)

About this wine

The 1981 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is a testament to the aging potential of Sangiovese, offering a complex bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of mature red fruit flavors, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and spice. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture that lingers on the finish. This vintage reflects the unique terroir of Montalcino, where the combination of altitude and climate allows Sangiovese to ripen fully, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity. Notably, Brunello di Montalcino was among the first Italian wines to receive DOCG status in 1980, underscoring its esteemed reputation.

About the grape

Sangiovese, the sole grape in Brunello di Montalcino, has deep roots in Tuscany, dating back to the Etruscans. In the mid-19th century, Clemente Santi in Montalcino developed a clone called Sangiovese Grosso, known for its thicker skins and richer flavors. His grandson, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, produced the first modern Brunello di Montalcino in 1888, aging it extensively to enhance its complexity. This innovation set the standard for Brunello wines, leading to the region's DOCG status in 1980.

Quick facts

• 🏆 The 1981 vintage of Castello Banfi's Brunello di Montalcino received a 92-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its exceptional quality.
• 🍇 Brunello di Montalcino is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as 'Brunello,' ensuring a pure expression of this varietal.
• 🏰 Castello Banfi, established in the 1970s, played a pivotal role in elevating Brunello di Montalcino to international acclaim through innovative winemaking techniques.
• 🇮🇹 The 1981 vintage was produced shortly after Brunello di Montalcino was awarded Italy's highest wine classification, DOCG, in 1980, marking a significant milestone for the region.
• ⏳ Brunello di Montalcino wines are renowned for their longevity, with well-made vintages like the 1981 capable of aging gracefully for several decades.

Palate profile

Producer

Castello Banfi, located in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, was founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani. They transformed the historic Poggio alle Mura castle into a state-of-the-art winery, pioneering research on Sangiovese clones to enhance Brunello di Montalcino production. The estate spans approximately 2,830 hectares, with about one-third dedicated to vineyards, and the remainder comprising olive groves, fruit trees, and forests. Notably, in 2007, the fossilized remains of a Pliocene-era whale, estimated to be around 4 million years old, were discovered on the property, highlighting the region's rich geological history.