Guest Post: Castell Banfi Italian Wine

One of the most unusual stories in the Italian wine world, Castello Banfi was founded in 1978 by John and Harry Mariani, successful American wine importers from New York, whose company Banfi Vintners had been founded by their Italian American father John Mariani, Sr. in 1919. Brothers John and Harry decided that they wanted not only to sell Italian wine but to be Italian winemakers. They joined forces with leading Italian enologist Ezio Rivella and purchased 7,100 acres in Toscana’s prestigious Montalcino zone. Today, 2,400 acres are planted to vines whose fruit produces some of Italy’s best wines. Over time, many foreign companies have developed wine businesses on Italian soil, but none have achieved the excellence that Banfi consistently demonstrates year after year. Its offerings have garnered numerous medals and awards, including an unprecedented four-time presentation of VinItaly’s Gran Premio Cup, Italy’s highest honor. In the latest competition, some 100 international wine experts at the annual wine fair in Verona awarded more medals and honors to Castello Banfi wines than to those of any other Italian vintner, winning for the firm the competition’s coveted "Premio Speciale" prize.