Savouring the tastes of Tuscany

By GOH EE KOON

From the robust to the mellow, wines from Tuscany region in Italy have always won praise.

Grapes like the Brulleno, Chianti and Sangiovese are typical of the region. Since the 1970s, though, the introduction of newer varieties like Syrah and even Merlot into the Tuscan vineyards have led to interesting new varieties and blends for many wine brands.

Once such brand is Castello Banfi, which began in 1978 by the Mariani family. Their 2, 830 hastate in Montalcino, Tuscany, is among the largest single vineyards around.

Moreover, the estate is something of the tourism attraction – overlooking the vineyards is a medieval Romanesque fortress that is now known as Castello Banfi. Now restored as hospitality centre, it boasts a formal restaurant, a wine showroom and a glass museum.

The chief products are, of course, the different wines, whether they hail from single grapes or blends. Castello Banfi public relations manager Dante Cecchini and export director for Asia Richard Goodine visited Kuala Lumpur recently to promote some of the brand’s best vintages to guests and associates in a wine-tasting session.

Cecchini introduced the brand to guests, telling them about his history, the family that owns it and the different wines that are used.

Four types of single grapes wines, like Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah were introduced.

After that, the focus went to the Super Tuscans, or blended wines in which traditional grapes were mixed with the newer varieties. With the Super Tuscans, vineyards were able to explore greater avenues of creativity, as different blends tested the versatility of the customer’s palate while offering greater marketing opportunities for Castello Banfi.

There is the Cum Laude, made up of 25% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 15% Syrah.

The SummuS has 45% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah grapes while the ExcelsuS has 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Cecchini also encouraged wine tasters to try blending their wines, so as to get a better feel of how different blends like the Cum Laude, SummuS and ExcelsuS wines are made.