Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino (2009)

About this wine

The 2009 Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino from Castello Banfi presents a deep ruby color, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it offers rich aromas of blackberry and plum jam, complemented by hints of coffee and pipe tobacco. The palate is full-bodied and well-balanced, with soft, ripe tannins that provide structure without overpowering the fruit flavors. This wine is known for its complexity and elegance, reflecting the exceptional vintage and the unique terroir of the Poggio alle Mura vineyard.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name is believed to derive from 'Sanguis Jovis' or 'Blood of Jupiter,' is a grape variety with deep roots in Italy, particularly in Tuscany. In the Montalcino region, Sangiovese has been cultivated for centuries, evolving into unique clones adapted to the area's specific terroir. Castello Banfi, recognizing the potential of these clones, conducted extensive research in the 1980s, studying over 650 variants to identify the three most promising ones. These selected clones are now exclusively used in their Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino, showcasing the grape's exceptional qualities.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The name 'Poggio alle Mura' translates to 'Hill of the Walls,' referring to the 12th-century fortress that crowns the Banfi vineyard estate.
• 🍇 The 2009 vintage of Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, a varietal renowned for its bright acidity and red fruit flavors.
• 🛢️ This wine undergoes a meticulous aging process, spending two years in a combination of French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, followed by additional bottle aging to achieve its complex profile.
• 🏅 The 2009 vintage received critical acclaim, with Wine Enthusiast awarding it 90 points, highlighting its ripe plum and spice aromas, and a palate offering fleshy black cherry accented with white pepper and chocolate.
• 🌄 The Castello Banfi estate, where this wine is produced, is located in Montalcino, a region celebrated for its Brunello wines and picturesque landscapes.

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.