Banfi produces a huge range of Italian wines that are widely available. Today we are looking at fresh vintages of three of their more popular red offerings, all built around Sangiovese. Let’s give them a try.

2019 Banfi Chianti Classico – Chianti Classico wines are tannic and tend to be quite dry, and this is actually a dry example of the style. But the tannins that make it so dry, coupled with the wine’s high acidity, also lend it a velvety mouthfeel. The nose and palate offer fairly simple but enjoyable notes of cherry and leather. This is an affordable bottle of wine that will pair nicely with anything meaty from a steak to pepperoni pizza. B / $14 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

2017 Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva – This is a tight Chianti with a restrained nose and palate, both showing notes of cherry, vanilla, and a touch of cocoa powder. The wine opens up a bit over time in the glass but not as much as I would have liked. There is some nice structure here with good acidity, drying tannins, and a solid mouthfeel, but the finish is short and astringent. This is definitely a wine that needs to be paired with food. B- / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

2016 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino – The nose is gentle, showing light, integrated black cherry and cola notes along with some leather and cedar wood. The palate also offers black cherry, cedar, and leather along with some tobacco and black tea. The tannins are right where they belong on this robust red, which has a nice mouthfeel and a medium to long finish, but I can’t help but feel the wine lacks the wow factor that I look for in higher-priced Brunello. Not a bad wine at all, but I wanted more. B+ / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

banfiwines.com

2016 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino

$80

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

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