Italy
table of contents region overview-italy______________________________________________________ 1 ITALY-REGIONAL MAP__________________________________________________________ 2 region overview-piedmont_________________________________________________ 4 Brand summary______________________________________________________________ 5 key players___________________________________________________________________ 7 images________________________________________________________________________ 9 Additional resources _____________________________________________________ 10 super premium tier overview-Rosa regale________________________________ 11 super premium tier Description/vintage cards Rosa Regale Description Sheet_______________________________________________________ 12 Rosa Regale Vintage Card__________________________________________________________ 13 super premium tier overview-Cuvée Aurora Rosé, la lus, banfi brut______ 14 super premium tier ratings________________________________________________ 15 Cuvée Aurora Rosé Description Sheet_________________________________________________ 16 Cuvée Aurora Rosé Vintage Card_____________________________________________________ 17 La Lus Description Sheet__________________________________________________________ 18 La Lus Vintage Card______________________________________________________________ 19 Banfi Brut Description Sheet________________________________________________________ 20 Banfi Brut Vintage Card___________________________________________________________ 21 premium tier overview ____________________________________________________ 22 premium tier ratings ______________________________________________________ 23 premium tier Description/vintage cards Principessa Gavia Gavi Description Sheet_______________________________________________ 24 Principessa Gavia Gavi Vintage Card__________________________________________________ 25 L’Ardi Description Sheet___________________________________________________________ 26 L’Ardi Vintage Card______________________________________________________________ 27 miscellaneous information_______________________________________________ 28
REGION OVERVIEW-ITALY ITALIAN WINE FACTS • Wine has been produced in Italy for over 4,000 years. • Ancient Greeks dubbed it “Enotria” - land of wine. • Romans propagated the cult of Bacchus establishing a flourishing wine trade thousands of years ago. • Leading producer of wine in the world, alternating with France. • Thousands of different wines are produced in Italy’s 20 regions. • Hundreds of different grape varieties. ITALIAN WINE LAWS Vini Varietali & Vino (formerly Vino da Tavola) • Simplest wines • Few government controls • New EU rules allow for use of following grapes with Country of Origin with/without vintage date:
• Cabernet
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Cabernet Franc
• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon
• Wine - Red, White, Rose
DOCG/DOP (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) • 74 Wines - only 15 regions EEC =PDO/DOP – Protected Denomination of Origin/Denominazione di Origine Protetta • Most Restrictive Category. • Further guarantee of authenticity. • No wine law can guarantee quality, only producer can do that. HOW ITALIAN WINES ARE NAMED • Grape Variety - Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, etc. Usually in conjunction with an IGT or DOC • Area/Zone of Production - Barolo, Chianti, Gavi, Valpolicella, etc. • Grape Variety and Area/Zone - Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Brachetto d’Acqui, etc. • Fantasy /Proprietary Names - Excelsus, Sassicaia, Summus, Tignanello, etc. Usually designated as part of an IGT or DOC
IGT/IGP (Indication of Typical Geographic Origin) • Less restrictive than DOC • Some examples - Toscana (not every region has a general IGT), Maremma Toscana, Delle Venezie (inter-region Veneto /Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige) DOC/DOP (Denomination of Controlled Origin) • 300 + wines from all 20 regions EEC = PDO/DOP – Protected Denomination of Origin/ Denominazione di Origine Protetta • Regulates geography, grapes, yields and in some cases – ageing
Back to Table of COntents
1
REGION OVERVIEW-ITALY BANFI WINE REGIONS Italy produces wine in all 20 regions. Banfi Vintners currently does business with wineries in 8 of these regions.
• Veneto • Piedmont • Emilia Romagna • Tuscany • Lazio • Abruzzo • Sicily • Umbria
Back to Table of COntents
2
MAPS
Italy Wine Regions Back to Table of COntents
Wine Region Map
3
Banfi Piemonte
REGION OVERVIEW-PIEDMONT PIEDMONT The name Piemonte comes from medieval Latin Pedemontium or Pedemontis, meaning “at the foot of the mountains.” It is located in northwest Italy, and borders Switzerland and France. True to its name, Piemonte is a land of mountains, surrounded on three sides by the Alps which serve as the background for sweeping, picturesque landscapes dotted with vineyards, small towns, and castles. Prior to the reunification of Italy, Piemonte was considered the “capital” region of Italy. Today, it is revered for its great reds made from the Nebbiolo grape (also called Spanna) including Barolo and Barbaresco. Barbera is the most widely planted red varietal and Moscato is the most widely planted white. Important Grape Varieties:
White
• Arneis • Cortese (Gavi) • Erbaluce • Favorita • Moscato (Asti)
Red
• Barbera • Bonarda • Brachetto • Dolcetto • Freisa • Grignolino • Nebbiolo or Spanna in the Novara hills (Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara, Ghemme) • Ruche’
Back to Table of COntents
Important wine types:
White
• Arneis Roero • Erbaluce di Caluso • Gavi
Red
• Barbera d’Alba/Asti • Barolo, Barbaresco • Brachetto d’Acqui • Dolcetto d’Alba/Asti/ Acqui, Carema • Gattinara • Ghemme • Grignolino d’Alba/d’Asti/ del Monferrato • Nebbiolo d’Alba
4
BRAND SUMMARY
Summary The roads crossing the tidy countryside of southern Piedmont are an inviting prelude to the enchanting ambiance of Strevi. In 1979, just over one year after John and Harry Mariani founded the Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, they acquired the historical winery known as Bruzzone. The winery, recently restored and renovated, both preserves and exalts the character and typicity of its grapes. The estate, situated between the cities of Novi Ligure and Acqui, lies across 50 hectares of land, 46 of which are dedicated to noble vines. Banfi Piemonte has seen consistent growth since its inception, guided by the mission of combining authenticity with innovation to produce sparkling wines of the highest quality. In addition to the production of Charmat wines, the heart of the cellar is dedicated to the Metodo Classico. The winery’s dedication to quality and its link to terroir are expressed across its varied and well-rounded portfolio, boasting Piedmont’s most noble varietals including: Cortese, Brachetto, and Dolcetto.
Three key selling points: 1. 19th Century Sparkling Wine Cellars: Dedication to quality and a link to terroir, are expressed beautifully in the production of high quality sparkling wines, such as Rosa Regale and Banfi Brut. Banfi created the Brachetto category and continues to be the category leader. 2. Noble Piemontese: In the extraordinary region of Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the cooler climates offer beautiful crisp whites and vivid reds. 3. Hand-Crafted Gems: In addition to Rosa Regale, the estate also hand-crafts unique artisanal, small-production, wines such as Principessa Gavia Gavi, La Lus, Cuvee Aurora Rose and L’Ardi Dolcetto.
Back to Table of COntents
On-Premise Priorites: • BTG Sparkling: Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG • BTG Still: Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG L’Ardi Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC • BTB Wine List Priority – Sparkling: Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG Banfi Brut Metodo Classico • BTB Still: Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG • Reserve/Specialty: La Lus Monferrato DOC Cuvee Aurora Rose Alta Langa DOCG • Dessert/After Dinner: Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
5
BRAND SUMMARY
Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG
Cuvée Aurora Rosé Alta Langa DOC
La Lus Albarossa Monferrato DOC
Banfi Brut Metodo Classico
super premium tier
Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG
L’Ardi Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC
premium tier
Back to Table of COntents
6
KEY PLAYERS Cristina Mariani-May Cristina Mariani-May is the family proprietor of the internationally renowned Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, and co-CEO of Banfi Vintners, a leading U.S. importer of fine wines. The youngest daughter of Banfi Chairman Emeritus, John F. Mariani, Jr., Ms. Mariani-May, together with her cousin James Mariani, represents the third generation of family leadership in the company founded by their grandfather, John Mariani, Sr. in 1919. Soon after completing her studies at Georgetown University and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, Mariani-May joined Banfi in 1993. Among the first of many forward-thinking initiatives introduced by Mariani-May was the creation of progressive new tracking and monitoring systems at Castello Banfi, designed to elevate performance and establish new goals in the fields of customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility and social responsibility. In 2006 those procedures were rewarded when Castello Banfi became the only winery in the world to achieve ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and SA 8000 certification acknowledging leadership in these areas. This accomplishment underlines the strategic long-term vision, coupled with an ability to execute, that characterize her management of Castello Banfi. A “pursuit of excellence” serves as a personal mantra for Mariani-May. It extends to every aspect of her work, in particular her family’s wines and nowhere more so than with the Brunellos for which Castello Banfi is renowned. Enterprise and readiness to experiment also factor into Mariani-May’s leadership, as illustrated by the recent innovation of new hybrid fermentation tanks at Castello Banfi. Most winemakers are faced with a choice: ferment in wood for added richness and roundness, or use stainless steel for maximum freshness. MarianiMay has been the guiding hand behind the development of new hybrid fermenters, comprising a unique combination of a steel base and head and Back to Table of COntents
a wood middle section. Seven years of trial and experiment preceded the launch of the new, patented 4,600 gallon tanks (1/3 steel, 2/3 wood), which combine the best of both materials, balancing the flavor and aeration supplied by oak with the temperature control, ease of use and hygiene offered by stainless steel. Inaugurated in September 2007, 24 composite fermenters at Castello Banfi are currently used in the production of the estate’s Brunellos, Tuscan cuvées and singlevineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Mariani-May’s immediate family includes her husband, Marshall May, and their three young children. A hands-on mother, she divides her time between Montalcino and Long Island, NY, home to Banfi Vintners. She freely admits that much of her best thinking comes during her early morning work-outs. An avid runner, in November 2010 Mariani-May completed the New York City Marathon in an impressive 3 hours 30 minutes (and 12 seconds). The virtues of self-discipline, determination and endurance demanded of a long-distance runner might equally well apply to a sustained and successful leadership role in business. Alberto LazzarinoChief Winemaker, Banfi Piemonte Alberto Lazzarino, has been principal wine maker at Banfi Piemonte since 2002. He was born in Turin, in the region of Piedmont, Italy. Mr. Lazzarino graduated from the Agricultural University of Alba, one of Italy’s – and the world’s -- leading enological schools. Earning his degree required six years of study, including a two-year internship at a local winery where he became versed in all phases of the winemaking process. One of his first positions was at the F.lli Martini cellar, followed by employment at Bersano winery, where he garnered invaluable experience in the vinification and bottling of typical Piemontese wines, such as Barbera, Barolo, Barbaresco, Gavi.
7
KEY PLAYERS In 1994 he joined the Cantina Sociale of Maranzana (Asti, Piedmont), as Head of Production. Later he served as Head of Safety of Employees and as Manager of Quality and hygiene control. Today he directs the Banfi Piemonte cellar and enjoys a direct relationship with the Mariani family, proprietors of Banfi Vintners. Luciano CastielloCastello Banfi Brand Ambassador Luciano Castiello is the official ambassador for Castello Banfi, Banfi Piemonte and Rosa Regale. Unofficially, he is the ambassador for Italy’s melody-filled, wine-charmed, “slow food” culture.
An industry veteran of over 30 years, Mr. Castiello leads sales of Castello Banfi, Banfi Piemonte and Rosa Regale ultra premium wines to upscale restaurants and wine shops, focusing his efforts mainly in the leading metropolitan areas of the United States and the islands of the Caribbean, as well as international markets in conjunction with the Banfi sales team. As ambassador, Mr. Castiello is a passionate and inspiring spokesperson for these family wineries. The multi-lingual Mr. Castiello (he has fluent command of English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Punjabi and Creole) concentrates on building brands through personal contact with sommeliers and wine professionals, acting as a liaison between grower and consumer.
Banfi Piemonte
Back to Table of COntents
8
Images
The Cellar
Metodo Classico
The Barrel Room
In the vineyard
Back to Table of COntents
9
additional resources Websites
Banfi banter Rosa Regale
Resources for the Trade Rosa Regale Vigne Regali
Back to Table of COntents
10
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Super-Premium Tier overview Rosa Regale Summary Rosa Regale is made in one of Italy’s smallest production zones, the Brachetto d’Acqui Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, commonly referred to as DOCG. It is crafted from 100% Brachetto grapes grown exclusively at the La Rosa Vineyard in the town of Acqui Terme, located in the Piedmont region of Italy. The label features a single red rose, representing the wine’s origin from this single vineyard La Rosa estate. One taste and it is LOVE AT FIRST SIP.
FEATURES
Benefits
• The original, authentic red sparkler from Italy.
•
• Rosa Regale is a Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG, Italy’s highest classification. • Rosa Regale has a delicate bouquet of rose petals and offers sensuous flavors of fresh raspberries and strawberries. • Unique and attractive decanter bottle.
Rosa Regale is the leading Italian sparkling wine within its price category and is the most cited and recommended wine by celebrities and celebrity chefs.
• Its lively garnet color and taste profile makes other sparklers pale in comparison. •
Because of its low alcohol content, Rosa Regale serves as the perfect partner throughout the entire meal, beginning as an elegant aperitif, moving to a savory appetizer and ending with a sweet dessert. No wine pairs better with chocolate than Rosa Regale.
• Multiple size offerings make it perfect for any occasion (available in 4 sizes: 1.5L, 750ml, 375ml, 187ml).
Tasting Notes Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG: Festive cranberry in color with an aromatic bouquet hinting of raspberries, strawberries and rose petals. Fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity. Entices the palate with initial softness, graduating to a round, clean and dry finish.
Back to Table of COntents
11
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Rosa Regale Description sheet
Rosa Regale Acqui DOCG Estate Bottled
Production Area: Acqui Terme, Piedmont, Italy. Grape Variety:
100% Brachetto.
Description:
Festive cranberry in color with a haunting, aromatic bouquet with hints of raspberries, strawberries and rose petals. A fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a round and clean and dry finish.
Rosa Regale is produced using the Charmat process, fermentation with brief skin contact, filtration and storage at 32˚F, followed by refermentation in stainless-steel vats, and isobaric bottling. A unique and festive sparkling wine and a seductive aperitif. Pairs well with seafood, cheeses, spicy fare and chocolate. Serve chilled.
UPC Rosa Regale
187ml 375ml 750ml 1.5L
0 80516 16639 1 0 80516 16636 0 0 80516 16644 5 0 80516 16632 2
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
12
S
u
p
e
rP
rP
re e m m i i
u u
m m
TIER
R o s a R e g a l e v i NTa g e c a rd
ROSA REGALE
Acqui DOCG Banfi Piemonte - Estate Bottled Piedmont (Italy) ____________________ Area of Production: Acqui Terme, Piedmont, Italy. Soil: Rocky, calcareous with tufaceous marl. Optimum midday exposure. 100% Brachetto.
Grape Variety:
Production Technique: Fermentation with brief contact with the skins, filtration and storage at 32°F, refermentation in stainless-steel vats, immediately followed by bottling. Characteristics: Color: Festive cranberry. Bouquet: Aromatic with hints of raspberries, strawberries and rose petals. Taste: Fresh raspberries, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a clean and dry finish. Alcohol Content: 7%. Total Acidity: 7 g/l. Perfect for any occasion. A unique and festive sparkling wine, seductive aperitif, and elegant dessert wine. Pairs well with seafood, cheeses, spicy fare and chocolate. Serve chilled.
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
13
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Super-Premium Tier overview Banfi Brut, Cuvee Aurora and La Lus Summary FEATURES
Benefits
• Banfi Brut is a classic example of an aristocratic, dry sparkling wine.
•
• Cuvee Aurora Rose is an elegant sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir and is a true expression of Alta Langa. • La Lus Albarossa is born of the marriage between Barbera and Nebbiolo, and traces its roots back to 1938.
In a tasting of Italian sparkling Metodo Classico wines of the Talento consortium, this prestigious group ranked Banfi Brut as the number one bubbly, granting it 87 points out of 100, far ahead of many of Italy’s traditional sparkling wine producers.
• Cuvee Aurora Rose is well-known for its harmonic character and elegant silkiness. • La Lus is a new and captivating hybrid that uniquely re-interprets the terroir of Piedmont.
Tasting Notes Cuvee Aurora Rose, Alta Langa DOC: Pale pink with tiny and persistent perlage. The bouquet is intense and alluring, with notes of apple, vanilla, and wild rose. On the palate, the wine is round silky and well-balanced. La Lus, Albarossa Monferrato DOC: Deep ruby red in color. Bouquet of rose petals, red berries, cherries, and hints of oak. On the palate, flavors of cherry and plum jam intermingle with notes of vanilla and licorice.
Banfi Brut Metodo Classico: Fresh, harmonious, delectable with a crisp long finish.
Back to Table of COntents
14
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Super-Premium Tier ratings Cuvée Aurora Rosé 2008 88 Points – Wine Spectator Alison Napjus, 2012 “Elegant, with a pure note of strawberry winding through to mix with flavors of pastry, pomegranate, graham cracker, smoke and bright, mouthwatering acidity.”
La Lus 2007 88 Points – Wine Spectator James Suckling, 2010 “Tar, grape and dark chocolate aromas follow through to a medium body, with medium tannins and a fresh finish.” 88 Points – Wine Enthusiast Monica Larner, September 2011 “Albarossa (a genetic cross between Nebbiolo and Barbera) deserves more attention thanks to the plump, crisp, food-friendly nature of the wines it produces. Aromas here include espresso bean, black cherry, mocha and warm earthy tones.”
Back to Table of COntents
15
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
C u v é e Au r o r a R o s é D e s c r i p t i o n s h e e t
Cuvée Aurora Rosé Alta Langa DOCG Production Area: Hilltop vineyards in the Alta Langa area, south of Alba in Piedmont. Grape Variety:
100% carefully selected and hand-picked Pinot Noir.
Description:
Pale pink with tiny and persistent perlage. The bouquet is intense and alluring, with notes of apple, vanilla, and wild rose. On the palate, the wine is round, silky and well balanced.
One hour skin contact cold maceration prepares the grapes for soft crushing. The must is clarified and fermented at controlled temperatures (17°C.). The final cuvée consists of 90% of clear wine and 10% of the previous vintage wine aged in French oak barriques. Fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the Classical Method. Yeast contact is extended for at least 24 months followed by traditional hand riddling (rémuage) on pupitres and dégorgement à la glace. The wine is then aged in bottle for an appropriate amount of time. A perfect aperitif and ideal with just about anything including seafood and white meats.
UPC
Cuvée Aurora Rosé
750ml
0 80516 51804 6
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
16
S
u
p
e
rP
rP
re e m m i i
u u
m m
TIER
C u v é e Au r o r a R o s é v i NTa g e c a rd
CUVÉE AURORA ROSÉ Alta Langa DOCG ____________________
Area of Production: Hilltop vineyards in the Alta Langa area south of Alba in Piedmont. Soil: A mix of clay and calcareous. Grape Variety: 100% carefully selected and hand-picked Pinot Noir. Production Technique: One hour skin contact cold maceration prepares the grapes for soft crushing. The must is clarified and fermented at controlled temperatures (17°C.). The final cuvée consists of 90% of clear wine and 10% of the previous vintage wine aged in French oak barriques. Fermentation takes place in the bottle (Classical Method). Yeast contact is extended for at least 24 months followed by traditional hand riddling (rémuage) on pupitres and dégorgement à la glace. A period of bottle aging follows. Characteristics: Color: Pale pink with tint and persistent perlage. Bouquet: Intense and alluring with notes of apple, vanilla and wild rose. Taste: Round, silky and harmonious. Alcohol Content: 11.5 to 12%, varying with the vintage Total Acidity: 6.7 g/l A perfect aperitif and ideal with just about anything including seafood and white meats. Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
17
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
l a lu s D e s c r i p t i o n s h e e t
La Lus Albarossa
Monferrato Rosso DOC Production Area: Monferrato, Southeastern Piedmont, Italy. Grape Variety:
100% Albarossa.
Description:
Deep ruby red in color with a bouquet of rose petals, red berries, cherries, and hints of oak. On the palate, flavors of cherry and plum jam intermingle with notes of vanilla and licorice.
La Lus, meaning “The Light” in Piedmontese dialect, refers to the rising sun and the dawn of a new day. From a vine cross of Nebbiolo and Barbera, Piedmont’s two most important grapes, a new variety is born. Albarossa, Italian for ‘red dawn.’ La Lus is the ultimate expression of this new adventure. Banfi, one of only four producers of Albarossa, once again proves itself to be a champion of quality. A short cold maceration of the grapes (24 hours) is followed by skin-contact fermentation for a period of 8-10 days at a controlled temperature with frequent pumping over to enhance and preserve the fruit aromas. In the final phase of fermentation, the temperature is slightly raised in order to facilitate the extraction of pigments from the skins, giving the wine a deeper color. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for 12 months. This alluring, well balanced wine pairs well with roasted meats, pastas, savory dishes and aged cheeses.
UPC
La Lus Albarossa
750ml
0 80516 51814 5
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
18
S
u
p
e
rP
rP
re e m m i i
u u
m m
TIER
l a lu s v i NTa g e c a rd
LA LUS ALBAROSSA 2009 Monferrato Rosso DOC ____________________
Area of Production: Monferrato, Southeastern Piedmont, Italy. Sandy, clay. 100% Albarossa.
Soil: Grape Variety:
Production Technique: Short cold maceration of the grapes (24 hours), followed by skin-contact fermentation for a period of 8-10 days at a controlled temperature with frequent pumping over to enhance and preserve the fruit aromas. In the final phase of fermentation, the temperature is slightly raised in order to facilitate the extraction of pigments from the skins, giving the wine a deeper color. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for 12 months. Characteristics: Color: Deep ruby red. Bouquet: Rose petals, red berries, cherries and hints of oak. Taste: Velvety, full-bodied and harmonious, with soft tannins. A long finish with fruity notes. Alcohol Content: 13.5%. Total Acidity: 5.70 g/l. This alluring, well balanced wine pairs well with roasted meats, pastas, savory dishes and aged cheeses. Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
19
S
u
p
e
r
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
banfi brut Description sheet
Banfi Brut Metodo Tradizionale Classico Estate Bottled Production Area: Piedmont, Italy. Grape Varieties:
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.
Description:
Fresh, harmonious, delectable with a crisp long finish.
Banfi Brut is a classic example of an aristocratic, dry sparkling wine. A judicious selection of grapes — Chardonnay for bouquet and lightness, Pinot Noir for body and depth of character and Pinot Blanc for overall roundness — are all blended together to create this elegant sparkling wine. Perfect as an aperitif for any occasion or as an ideal companion with lobster or seafood. “Bracing and crisp with good length and bright acidity.” — Bon Appetit “Light apple aroma and delicate flavors on the palate... Flavors of fresh cream and drawn butter linger in a crisp finish.” —Wine and Spirits “A finely made sparkling wine, its flavors of baked apple and roasted nuts are relatively light and completely dry. Tiny bubbles lend elegance to this aperitif.” —Wine and Spirits
UPC
Banfi Brut
750ml
0 80516 16724 4
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
20
S
u
p
e
rP
rP
re e m m i i
u u
m m
TIER
b a n f i b r u t v i NTa g e c a rd
BANFI BRUT
Metodo Tradizionale Classico Banfi____________________ Piemonte - Piemonte (Italy) Area of Production: Banfi Piedmont estate cellars in Strevi, Piedmont, Italy. Soil: Deep and calcareous. Grape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc. Production Technique: Fermentation in the bottle using the classic Champagne method (a three-year process), including traditional handriddling and disgorgement. Characteristics: Color: Pale-straw. Bouquet: Intense and fragrant, toasty. Taste: Fresh, with gentle acidity, with apple, toast, and mineral flavors followed by a crisp, long finish. Alcohol Content: 12.5%. Total Acidity: 6.5-7 g/l. Ideal as an aperitif and as a complement to seafood hors d’oeuvres and first courses.
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
21
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Premium Tier OVERVIEW Principessa Gavi and L’Ardi FEATURES
Benefits
• The Principessa Gavia estate was established by the Mariani family in the early 1980s.
•
The Principessa Gavia single vineyard is dedicated exclusively to the cultivation of the Cortese di Gavi grape, the sole white grape used to make this prized still wine.
•
L’Ardi is fresh and fruity, and reflects the traditional style of Piedmont’s Dolcetto varietal. This wine is easy to drink and often called Italy’s Cru Beaujolais.
• L’Ardi is grown in the vineyards of the historical Dolcetto area, in the heart of the Acqui region. •
The term “ L’Ardì” (pronounced “Lar-DEE”) in the Piedmontese dialect means “bright and brave” and refers to a fun and adventurous person.
Tasting Notes
Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG: Pale straw in color with an intense, fresh and fruity bouquet, with hints of pineapple and green apple. Crisp with gentle acidity and a dry, balanced aftertaste.
L’Ardi Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC: Ruby red, intense and deep color. Rich, and fruit-forward, with ripe berry flavors and characteristic dry finish.
Back to Table of COntents
22
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Premium Tier ratings Principessa Gavia 2010 88 Points – Wine Spectator Bruce Sanderson, April 2012 “A fresh, crisp white, with tangy lemon, green apple and grass flavors. This is balanced and leaves a mouthwatering finish.”
L’Ardi 2010 87 Points – Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast Monica Larner, September 2011 “This is a plump, succulent and slightly sweet wine that is a pleasure to drink and pair with easy foods such as meatloaf or roast pork. This Dolcetto opens with a vibrant ruby color and pretty aromas of blueberry and cherry.” 87 Points – Wine Spectator Bruce Sanderson, December 2012 “A rich, juicy red, displaying cherry jam, plum and blackberry flavors. Straightforward, with a vibrant finish.”
Back to Table of COntents
23
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Pr i n c i p e s s a G av i a G av i d e s c r i p t i o n s h e e t
Principessa Gavia
Gavi docg - Estate Bottled Production Area: Principessa Gavia single vineyard located in the classic Gavi zone. Grape Varietiy:
100% Cortese.
Description:
Pale straw in color and an intense, fresh and fruity bouquet, with hints of pineapple and green apple. Crisp with gentle acidity and a dry, balanced aftertaste.
In the 6th century, Principessa Gavia fell deeply in love with a soldier. Her father, Clodimir, King of the Franks, forbade their marriage, so the lovers eloped to a remote village in northwestern Italy. Charmed by the local white wine, the newlyweds revealed their identity and were brought before the king. He realized their happiness and forgave the couple. The King blessed their union and named after his daughter, both the village and its wine. It is said that their romance lives on in each glass of Principessa Gavia Gavi. Following a rigorous selection of Cortese grapes, the clean must is gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature of 64˚F for 20 days before the new wine is clarified and then bottled. An aperitif wine, excellent with hors d'oeuvres and seafood.
UPC
Principessa Gavia Gavi
750ml
0 80515 16534 9
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
24
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
Pr i n c i p e s s a G av i a G av i v i n ta g e c a rd
PRINCIPESSA GAVIA
Gavi DOCG Banfi Piemonte - Estate Bottled Piemonte (Italy) ____________________ Area of Production: Principessa Gavia single vineyard located in the classic Gavi regio of Novi Ligure.
Rocky clay and marl. 100% Cortese.
Soil: Grape Variety:
Production Technique: Following a rigorous selection of Cortese grapes, the clean must is gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature of 64˚F for 20 days before the new wine is clarified. Characteristics: Color: Pale-straw. Bouquet: Intense, fresh, with aromas of pineapple and green apple. Taste: Well-balanced, with gentle acidity and delicate, dry finish. Alcohol Content: 12%. Total Acidity: 6-6.5 g/l.
An aperitif wine, excellent with hors d’oeuvres and seafood.
Information may change vintage to vintage. Back to Table of COntents
25
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
L’a rd i d e s c r i p t i o n s h e e t
L’Ardì
Dolcetto d’Acqui doc Estate Bottled Production Area: Acqui zone, Piedmont, Italy. Grape Variety:
100% Dolcetto grapes.
Description:
Ruby red, intense and deep color. Rich, fruit-forward, ripe berry flavors and characteristic dry finish.
The term “L’Ardì” in the Piedmontese dialect means “bright and brave” and refers to a fun and adventurous young man. Fresh and fruit-forward, this wine reflects the traditional style of Dolcetto is easy to drink, and often called Italy’s Beaujolais. L’Ardì has an intense ruby red hue that gives way to aromas of fresh fruit including cherries and blackberries. Although Dolcetto is a sweet grape, and is often eaten at the table, the wine it produces is quite dry with a clean finish. L’Ardì is produced following a traditional maceration with skin contact. After racking and gentle pressing of the must, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. L’Ardì is perfect for outdoor barbeques and pairs well with grilled chicken, swordfish and marinated shrimp. It is best enjoyed slightly chilled and young, when the fruit is bold and ripe. UPC
L'Ardì
750ml
0 80516 16224 9
Information may change vintage to vintage.
Back to Table of COntents
26
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
TIER
L’a rd i v i n ta g e c a rd
L’ArdÌ
Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC Banfi Piemonte - Estate Bottled Piemonte (Italy) ____________________
Area of Production: Estate vineyards in the heart of the Acqui zone. Soil: Calcareous, mixed with clay. Grape Variety: 100% Dolcetto grapes. Production Technique: Traditional maceration (5-7 days) with skin contact followed by racking and gentle pressing of the must and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Characteristics: Color: Ruby red. Bouquet: Fresh fruit with notes of cherries and blackberries. Taste: Flavorful with varietal characteristics and a typical dry finish. Alcohol Content: 12.5%. Total Acidity: 5.2 g/l. Ideal with grilled chicken, swordfish and marinated shrimp. Serve slightly chilled.
Information may change vintage to vintage. Back to Table of COntents
27
m i s c e l l a n e o u s
Back to Table of COntents
i n f o r m a t i o n
28
