From artistic nativity scenes to culinary traditions, discover the best time of the year with Tuscan Christmas treats and pair them with the right wine.

Tuscan Christmas traditions, between gourmet food, wine and hospitality

December is one of the most evocative times of the year to visit Tuscany due to the magical atmosphere you can witness right from the start of the month, in art cities such as Florence or Siena or in the Medieval hamlets such as Poggio alle Mura and Montalcino, where Tuscan Christmas traditions draw tourists of all ages.

Christmas in Tuscany is something you should experience at least once in your life, with your partner or your family, surrounded by breathtaking views that take on new nuances and suggestions during Christmas. And Christmas in Tuscany also means hospitality, good wine, and food, through the wealth of local cuisine, which expertly combines fine ingredients and farmers’ traditional recipes to make even the most demanding palates happy.

Christmas traditions in Tuscany

Christmas traditions in Tuscany are rooted in ancient times and are passed down from generation to generation to keep the bond with the past and with a land filled with stories, legends, events, and traditions alive.

Hamlets and nativity scenes

The hamlets are the stars of Tuscan Christmas traditions: Barga, Petroio, Pescaglia, and other tiny gems of the Valle del Serchio turn into real-life nativity scenes during the holidays, and you can walk around them marveling at the work of art of figurine craftsmen inspired by Christmas and by popular traditions. The most fascinating of them all is the Presepe Artistico di Petroio with over 100 characters.

Bonfires and torchlight processions

On Christmas Eve, the small hamlet of Gorfigliano, in the Upper Garfagnana region, lights up with magic, with the splendid Natalecci, high bonfires placed in the uppermost spots of the surrounding hills, which are lit up while the bells toll, enveloping the town in an enchanting light. This is one of the oldest Tuscan Christmas traditions. The Nataleccio’s building techniques, with juniper and chestnut wood branches, are a secret passed down through centuries, from generation to generation, and the competition between local families is still very keenly felt.

While the Abbadia San Salvatore torchlight procession, in a charming hamlet in the heart of the Amiata region, dates back to before the year 1000. Legend has it that the residents of the towns along the Via Francigena gathered there for the traditional Christmas Eve Mass and that their journey toward the Abbey was lit up and brightened by large bonfires.

On 7 December, on the day before the Immacolata, the town of Gallicano shines under Fiaccola’s light, which is lit up ritually in the square festively decorated amid Christmas carols and the colorful market stalls.

Christmas food in Tuscany

Tuscan Christmas traditions are also ancient when it comes to culinary traditions. Tuscany is home to the most appreciated Italian culinary delicacies in the Country and worldwide, including the fine Montalcino wines. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many Christmas recipes are also made in other parts of Italy.

So, what do people eat for Christmas in Tuscany? As tradition dictates, it all starts with an appetizer of cold cuts paired with a local white wine and liver crostini, also called ‘black crostini’, the symbol of rustic and humble culinary traditions, yet surprisingly flavorful.

Some of the pasta dishes include tortellini with capon broth, rigorously handmade with fresh egg pasta, and the so-called ribollita di cavolo nero, a soup with beans, collards, and kale, served in terracotta bowls. Tuscan Christmas traditions include a meat-based main dish, another fine local product, with roast Chianina beef, pork liver, guinea fowl, or orange duck as typical holiday dishes.

On a true Tuscan Christmas table, there must be a true Tuscan dessert, such as Castagnaccio, Panforte di Siena, Ricciarelli or Cantuccini, rigorously dipped in Vin Santo, as tradition dictates.

Visit our Winery during the holidays

Tuscany is once again one of the regions with more culture and allure, even when it comes to Christmas traditions, and this is why December is the favorite month of many of our tourists.

If you choose to spend Christmas in Tuscany, among our sweet hills, the hamlet of Poggio alle Mura (where Castello Banfi Wine Resort is located), surrounded by the magical and festive Christmas atmosphere, will look like an enchanted place, a small nativity scene, a romantic Christmas card. Apart from visiting our small hamlet, you will discover Tuscany’s food and wine traditions and visit the Castello Banfi Wine Resort Wine Shop, an actual Tuscan emporium from yesteryear, with exposed rafters and rustic floors. Here, you will enjoy some of the best products the land of Brunello has to offer: cold cuts, cheese, oil, and - of course - a wide wine selection, surrounded by the magical Christmas atmosphere.

What does a winery visit consist of? Why choose it during your vacation? Discover the visits to the wineries of Castello Banfi Wine Resort.

What to expect from a winery visit?

Visiting wineries is not only an experience for wine connoisseurs but is increasingly a key part of the wine and food tourism that has captivated Italian and foreign tourists in recent years.

In the past, winery tours were reserved for connoisseurs and sommeliers who visited the wineries to enjoy the tasting of fine wines directly in the production area, while also taking the opportunity to come into direct contact with the producers and purchase fine wines locally.

Now, the winery tour experience is of great interest to many more people and is an opportunity to taste wines with the guidance of expert sommeliers and to learn up close how wine is produced and what are the most advanced production techniques adopted by wineries such as Banfi. But what should one expect from a winery visit?

Visiting wineries: an educational and fascinating experience

In many cases, a winery tour is preceded by a tour of the entire estate, especially the vineyards, where a guide will explain the region's ampelographic excellence, show to the less experienced the main differences between white and black grape varieties, and explain, for example, what is meant by late harvest.

This type of evocative and interesting experience from a landscape point of view is also fascinating for those who do not consider themselves experts but are equally interested in learning features and curious facts.

Subsequently, the visit reaches the actual winery. These are very often architecturally beautiful locations (a show of wood and stone), with rows of barrels of different sizes lined up on top of each other and/or bottles of sparkling wine lying on the characteristic wooden pupitres for aging.

A winery visit is the ideal opportunity to discover all the stages of winemaking or sparkling wine making and to enrich one's knowledge of the production techniques. The guide will show you the different tools, explaining the history, features and interesting facts of each one. You may also have the opportunity to see how the crushing takes place in the large tanks, how bottling is done artfully or how master winemakers perform the ancient technique of the remuage by hand.

Winery tours: an experience of good taste

A visit to a winery can only end with a tasting of the winery's local wines, often accompanied by the tasting of other local products (cured meats, cheeses, etc.).

It will be the sommeliers' job to explain the different characteristics of the wines, which are the result of a careful grape selection and a complex and articulated winemaking process in which tradition, experimentation and cutting-edge technology play a key role. This will make the winery tour an educational and enjoyable experience.

Visit to our Winery

Banfi, which has always made excellence and hospitality its philosophy, is one of the wineries that during much of the year opens the doors of its estate for a visit to the cellars, to discover the locations where the extraordinary selection of grapes produced on the Banfi estate are preserved and enhanced.

In addition to the traditional winery, during the tour of our cellars it is also possible to admire the new micro-winemaking area, a real jewel from a technology and innovation point of view, created from avant-garde research that has always characterized us and to boost the richness of the ampelographic heritage of the Montalcino estates.

This is a veritable winery in the winery: the heart of Banfi excellence. Here one can see in detail the entire winemaking process: from the crushing of the grapes to the bottling, in perfect accordance with the educational purpose of the winery visits organized by Castello Banfi Wine Resort.

What to add to a winery visit?

Banfi wineries are nestled in landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Once the winery tour is over, it will then be possible to visit the enchanting Poggio alle Mura Castle.

For those wishing to stay a few days in the Tuscan countryside, rooms and suites are also available at Castello Banfi Wine Resort, the signature Banfi luxury property that offers guests a five-star experience of relaxation and comfort in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape and the village facilities. Treating yourself to a visit to wineries, combined with a stay like this, is a unique experience and an ideal vacation for wine enthusiasts and more.

Both are sparkling wine production methods. Here are characteristics, similarities and differences of the Charmat and Champenoise Methods.

Charmat and Champenoise Methods: the differences

Sparkling winemaking, that is, the process that leads to the transformation of wine into sparkling wine through a second fermentation on yeasts, is complex and sophisticated. The characteristics of the sparkling wine are affected not only by the quality of the starting cuvée and the exact composition of the liqueur de tirage but also the Method by which refermentation is induced. In fact, according to the technique used to induce the second fermentation, there are two different methods: the Charmat method and the Champenoise one.

The difference between the Charmat Method and the Champenoise Method is mainly related to the second fermentation. It takes place in stainless steel barrels in the former case and in the bottle in the latter. However, the subsequent steps also differ in some aspects, as does the final product:

• Charmat Method sparkling wines are fragrant, aromatic and have rich, penetrating perlage
• Champenoise Method (or Classical Method) sparkling wines are delicate and fresh, very balanced and with a very fine perlage.

The unique characteristics of the two types of sparkling wine are easy to identify during a guided tasting session, such as those organized at L'Enoteca di Castello Banfi Wine Resort, which include tastings of some of the best of Banfi's signature wines accompanied by typical Tuscan products.

The Champenoise Method

The Champenoise Method owes its name to the Champagne region of France where the best French sparkling wines hail from. This process of sparkling wine making is also known as the "Classic Method". The Italian Classi Method sparkling wines made from Chardonnay - or Pinot noir cuvées are extremely fresh and elegant.

The Origins of the Champenoise Method

The origins of this method of sparkling wine making are very old and date back to the late seventeenth century. Sources attribute the invention of sparkling wine (initially made only according to the Classic Method) to Abbot Pierre Pérignon.

In fact, the latter discovered the possibility of a second fermentation of bottled wine through the addition of sugars and the subsequent formation of bubbles.

How the Champenoise Method works

As with all sparkling wines, the choice of base cuvée is crucial: preference is given mainly to still wines from an early harvest and good acidity. Next, the cuvée is bottled together with the so-called liqueur de tirage, a solution of sugars and selected yeasts that can activate the second fermentation. This stage can last several years, during which the sparkling wine acquires the complexity of aromas and flavors that will characterize it in its final stage.

Subsequent steps in the production of Classic Method sparkling wines are the perfect synergy between new technologies and time-honored manual practices, such as remuage or degorgement, two techniques used, respectively, to separate the lees from the sparkling wine by rotation and to remove the crown cap where these lees have settled.

The Charmat Method

As anticipated, the difference between the Charmat and Champenoise Methods is the location where the second fermentation takes place: in the case of the Charmat Method, temperature-controlled stainless steel barrels, called "autoclaves".

The Origins of the Charmat Method

The Charmat Method owes its name to Eugène Charmat, a French winemaker who patented a new method and innovative technology for refermenting sparkling wine in the early 1900s.

However, the first person to devise such a method was the artisan winemaker Federico Martinotti. His new technique aimed to reduce the cost and time of sparkling wine production by introducing mass fermentation of the traditional cuvée inside pressurized stainless steel barrels (the autoclaves). Charmat is credited with improving this technique and acquiring the patent, about fifteen years after Martinotti's first uses, which is why this procedure is known as both the Charmat Method and the Martinotti Method.

How the Charmat Method works

The starting point for producing Charmat Method sparkling wines is a cuvée of base wines with intense aromatic background. In fact, this technique is the one that best preserves the olfactory characteristics of the grape variety by enclosing them in the bottle and expanding them through the bubbles.

The cuvée is introduced into stainless steel barrels under pressure for 30 to 80 days. During this period, the wine undergoes rapid fermentation, thanks in part to the introduction of sugars and selected yeasts, until it creates the foam. The permanence on yeast allows aromas to develop and evolve into a fresh, fragrant sparkling wine with a complex olfactory profile.

The differences between Charmat and Champenoise methods are not only in the fermentation but also in the subsequent stages of sparkling wine making. In fact, to preserve the variegated, intense aroma and bigger perlage that distinguishes Charmat Method sparkling wines, the remaining stages of the sparkling process (racking, refrigeration, filtration and bottling) take place under isobaric conditions (under pressure) in order not to disperse the carbon dioxide created and to bring to the table a bottle with an exuberant and complex flavor.

A wine store is not just a wine store: find out on Castello Banfi Wine Resort how it is defined and how to recognize one.

Enoteca: meaning, history and interesting facts

The world of wine is multifaceted and complex: the professional figures that revolve around wine production and distribution are as varied as are the places associated with this product. In this regard, one of the most interesting in addition to the winery, is definitely the enoteca, which is the place where bottles of wine and sparkling wines are stored and displayed for sale or consumption on site during tasting events.

In this in-depth review, we will look at some interesting facts related to the enoteca, such as why it is called so, what is sold there or what is the title of people who work there.

Etymology of enoteca

To answer the first question, namely what does enoteca mean and why is it called enoteca, it is necessary to start with the origin of the word. The etymology of "enoteca" is from the combination of two words of Greek origin: "eno" from the Greek oinos ("wine") and "theca" from the Greek theke ("closet" or "storage room"). The word "enoteca" therefore means "wine closet or storage room."

However, although the etymology of "enoteca" refers only to storage, in the Italian language it also means the place where bottles are displayed for sale and for tasting.

What is sold in an enoteca?

As anticipated, enotecas often organize tastings of the wines they sell paired with local products, thus contributing to the now popular food and wine tourism. At wine shops wine connoisseurs have the opportunity to:

• discover interesting facts about the production methods
• receive information on selected grape varieties and grapes
• taste different types of wine, often paired with traditional local products
• purchase products.

The best wine bars are often run by or in partnership with wineries. For example, this is the case of Enoteca Banfi in Montalcino where the wines produced at our wineries are stored, displayed and sold. Not only wines and sparkling wines, but also condiments, olive oil, and local foods and crafts, including local pecorino cheese and Tuscan prosciutto, which can also be tasted at the wine bar.

In addition to tastings, visiting the Banfi Enoteca is a true immersion in the world of wine and wine-making traditions of the past. The rustic and elegant setting, with fine wood furniture and original barrels, reminds of the Tuscan workshops of yesteryear. The wine shop itself is located close to the vaults of the amazing Banfi Castle of Poggio alle Mura, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress set like a jewel in the small village of Poggio alle Mura.

When did the first wine bars open?

The oldest wine bars date back to the 15th century and some are even mentioned in the works of Torquato Tasso and Ludovico Ariosto. Even then they were places of welcome and hospitality, where the pleasure of good wine was mixed with that of food.

What do you call people who work in a wine bar?

Among the various professionals working in the wine industry, it is not easy to identify specifically who is or what is the name of those working in a wine bar. This happens because a wine bar is a complex system, embracing the experience of storing, selling and tasting wine.

In most cases, a sommelier is present at a wine bar to select the most suitable wines for tasting based on the wine quality and characteristics and is ready to provide advice and suggestions to consumers.

What should wine tasting glasses look like? Here's how to find the right glass for each type of wine tasting.

Wine tasting glasses: types and how to choose them

Wine tasting is a multisensory experience that involves sight, smell and taste and leads to the discovery of the many facets of wines. It is an experience that needs to follow specific rules. One of the most important ones concerns the type of wine tasting glass.

Just as winery masters use special tools and machinery to enhance the quality of grapes and turn them into fine wines, those who are about to taste such wines must do so with the right tools as well. But which wine glasses are best to use for a wine tasting experience?

Wine tasting glasses: materials

Wine tasting glasses can differ in both shape and capacity but they share the material from which they are made: a glass of excellent transparency. This material allows the color, clarity and body of the wine to be appreciated on sight, the first step in the tasting experience.

Glass is one of the oldest materials worked by man: the finds in display at the Museum of Bottle and Glass in Poggio alle Mura show the evolution of the production techniques for this material and humankind's progress in its processing.

In the production of wine tasting glasses, crystal is very often used. This is a special type of glass characterized by its transparency, which is ideal for the visual assessment of wine.

The shapes can be many and they may vary depending on the type of wine chosen for tasting.

Red wine tasting glasses

Tasting glasses for red wine should be chosen according to the body, complexity and aromas of the wine. The types that best enhance classic red wines of medium body are the Ballon glass while for aged red wines, burgogne or barbaresco wine glasses are preferred.

Ballon

The ballon glass is characterized by a rounded, pot-bellied shape, perfect for releasing the intensity of the bouquet of aromas that makes young, aromatic red wines stand out. In addition, the breadth of the surface and its consequent brightness allow its texture and coloration to be appreciated.

Burgogne

The Burgogne glass, on the other hand, whose name refers to the French region by the same name, home of Pinot Noir, has a more elongated shape and is used as a tasting glass for more structured red wines that have aged several years.

The elongated, belly shape increases the surface area of the wine, allowing it to breathe and thus promoting oxygenation. Wide tasting glasses such as the Burgogne glass allow for careful and accurate visual assessment: the width of the belly allows proper rotation of the wine to appreciate the arches or tears and better examine clarity while the slightly narrower opening highlights more of the complex aromas, bringing them immediately to the nose for the first olfactory enjoyment.

Barbaresco

Also worth mentioning among tasting glasses for structured red wines is the pot-bodied one with flared rim also known as "barbaresco" from the town of Barbaresco in Piedmont where the famous wine by the same name is produced. The flared rim reminiscent of the distinctive tulip shape allows the bouquet of scents to expand and evolve as the olfactory analysis proceeds.

White wine tasting glasses

The most commonly used tasting glasses for white wine, are the tulip and Renano. Let’s see below what are the characteristics of these types of wine glasses.

Tulip

The tulip or "Sauvignon glass" is the most traditional of white wine tasting glasses and one of the most popular on the market. Its shape resembles that of the flower from which it takes its name, with a slightly convex, elongated belly and a flared opening that widens slightly from the central body.

This shape facilitates the ascent of aromas to the nose, which is why it is especially suitable when tasting fruity and delicate, light and medium-structured wines.

Renano

For more complex white wines, on the other hand, the Renano glass is preferred, a glass that is slightly closed at the top so that the intense aromas of the structured whites are channeled to the nose, allowing their complexity to be appreciated at first glance.

What is the ISO glass?

"ISO" stands for "International Standards Organization", which is the international organization involved worldwide in setting various technical standards.

In 1970, ISO experts also codified wine tasting glass sizes for use at official events. It is characterized by a different shape from those indicated so far and is suitable for all types of wine.

The ISO glass has a medium-sized belly with a slightly narrower opening to facilitate the concentration of aromas and their gradual release during olfactory analysis. It is filled to 50-100 ml, depending on the type of wine.

Have you always dreamed of sleeping in a medieval castle? Find out which are the ten best locations in Italy to experience a fairytale night.

Sleeping in a medieval castle: the 10 best locations

Italy, with its breathtaking landscapes, villages nestled among rolling hills and millennia of history, offers tourists a wide range of cultural, food and wine and artistic experiences, as well as the chance to sleep in a medieval castle.

In fact, there are many villages and small towns that still hold dear to their ancient past in the form of forts, castles and towers that overlook the surrounding landscape and have been renovated and transformed in recent times into luxury hotels or resorts. From North to South, here are some of the best locations for stay in a castle in Italy.

Sleeping in a medieval castle in northern Italy

One of the most beautiful castles in northern Italy is the Bevilacqua Castle in Montagnana, a small town in Veneto located at the crossroads of the region's most important cities. In addition to experiencing the thrill of sleeping in a 14th-century medieval castle, a stay in this village will give you the opportunity to easily visit the most famous landmarks in the Veneto region.

Charming and romantic, as well as rich in history and art masterpieces, is also the Visconteo Castle in Cassano d'Adda, an imposing fortress that overlooks the river, renovated with a modern and elegant style that blends perfectly with the ancient architecture.

The Sinio Castle in Piedmont sits atop the hill overlooking the village below and is an ideal location for those who wish to experience a stay in a medieval castle like in a fairy tale, dining in the refined candlelit hall of arms or resting in a comfortable four-poster bed.

Capriva del Friuli is home to the Spessa Castle, where nature and history come together in perfect harmony. Here elegance and luxury give guests romantic emotions.

The Rubein Castle is nestled in the enchanting forest surrounding the city of Merano in Trentino: an oasis of peace and tranquility and the perfect starting point from which to visit South Tyrol and its natural beauty. It is the perfect location where to stay in a 12th-century castle.

Staying in a castle in southern Italy

Moving from the cold mountains of Trentino to sunny Sicily, for a castle stay the best choice is Castello di Falconara in Butera, a historic residence dating back to the 14th century equipped with exclusive access to the sea and a large park embraced in the scents and colors of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Limatola Castle in Campania is romantic and fairytale-like at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas. It is a fortress perched on the hill overlooking the village, with enchanting outdoor areas among stone stairs, ancient trees, and cozy and romantic interior spaces furnished in Renaissance style.

Where to stay in a castle in central Italy

Staying in a medieval castle and diving into an atmosphere of yesteryear is a sought-after experience especially for young couples, who can find in the Orsini Castle in Nerola (Lazio ) an enchanted place full of history and charm. Surrounded by a moat and a mighty stone wall, the castle retains all the nobility and elegance of the family from which it takes its name, even in its luxurious furnishings and amenities.

In Abruzzo, one can find Castello Chiola, a medieval-era manor house with suites furnished in a modern and refined style.

Castello Banfi Wine Resort in Tuscany

Tuscany, dotted with enchanting villages perched on hillsides, is the Italian region that offers the best possibility of a medieval castle stay. In fact, each village has its own fortress, watchtower or castle that are restored and re-functionalized to welcome visitors seeking a fairytale vacation within their walls.

In Montalcino, among the hills and vineyards of the Val d'Orcia stands Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a historic fortress built between the 10th and 13th centuries that overlooks the entire landscape and offers those lucky enough to look out of its battlements a breathtaking view of the entire Banfi estate.

Castello Banfi Wine Resort is dedicated to wellness and relaxation, created to enhance an area rich in history and food and wine traditions and to offer tourists the opportunity to stay in a castle while being able to enjoy all the comforts of a luxury facility.

The rooms and suites are large and spacious, with enchanting views of vineyards and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, and boast furnishings designed by renowned interior designer Federico Forquet, who has been able to breathe new life into the castle's ancient rooms and village dwellings with an innovative and original design. It offers perfect harmony between luxury and tradition as well as exclusive handmade accessories and the Tuscan style.

Staying in a castle such as Castello Banfi Wine Resort will allow you to breathe in an enchanted atmosphere of yesteryear, strolling in the shade of the romantic Pergola, where the scent of the rose bushes sweetens the evening air, or relaxing in the Reading Room, where refinement and comfort will provide pleasant moments of relaxation.

Wine racking operations serve to avoid altering its taste and peculiarities: here's how and when to do them correctly.

When decanting wine?

Staying at Castello Banfi Wine Resort, in the romantic hamlet of Poggio alle Mura in the Tuscan hills, is an ideal opportunity to deepen one's knowledge of local wines and wine production, discovering, for example, which grape varieties are most common in the Montalcino area, what "remuage" means or when wine is decanted.

For the guests of Castello Banfi Wine Resort, and not only, we organize interesting guided tours of our winery, an evocative environment where the castle's ancient warehouses have been transformed to accommodate winemaking and where Banfi's fine wine products come to life. Here, traditional methods sit side by side with the most modern and sophisticated techniques, thanks to the futuristic experiments Banfi has always promoted and the experience of his oenological team.

Some processes, such as decanting wine, require in-depth knowledge of local grapes and their characteristics to preserve their aromas and flavors until the final product is bottled and tasted. The very operation of decanting the wine is the one that allows its flavor and aroma to remain intact. When is wine decanted and why?

Why decanting wine?

Before explaining when to decant wine and at what stage of the production process this delicate operation takes place, it is essential to know why wine is decanted. As anticipated, the purpose is to keep the chemical, biological and organoleptic characteristics of the wine intact to ensure its quality and eliminate fermentation residues.

In fact, alcoholic fermentation of the must necessarily produces waste substances such as spent yeast, skins, grape seeds and other sediments that settle to the bottom of the barrel and, if not separated at the appropriate time, risk affecting the quality of the wine. Decanting the wine is done right after fermentation, with special attention to the timing that varies from wine to wine.

When to decant wine: a question of balance and timing

Intervening too early by decanting the wine would not give the must time to come into contact with the yeasts and thus develop alcoholic fermentation.

Intervening too late, thus leaving the wine in contact with the spent yeast for a long time, would instead produce unpleasant scents and flavors in the barrel that would irreparably alter the wine characteristics. These scents are also known by the expression "scum odors." It is the wine team's job to figure out when to decant the wine.

In the process of decanting wine, special attention should be paid to the oxygenation, that is, exposure of the product to air:

●      On the one hand, it is necessary to oxygenate the wine to remove any "lees odor."

●      On the other hand, it should not oxygenate too much so as not to lose its distinctive olfactory characteristics.

Each wine has its own timeframes, and experts have learned about them. A delicate wine with few tannins, for example, needs to be protected from oxygen while a fuller-bodied red can benefit from brief exposure to air.

Air decanting and closed decanting

To preserve the unique characteristics of each wine, two different methods can be used to decant the wine:

●      air decanting

●      closed decanting

Air decanting means decanting the wine from the container where it is fermented into a smaller, open container to promote oxygenation and the elimination of unpleasant odors that may be created during fermentation.

Closed decanting, on the other hand, is generally used for more delicate wines and minimizes contact with air by taking advantage of the action of a pump (called a "wine pump") that transfers the wine from one container to another.

First, second and third decanting: when are they done?

Answering the question "when do you decant wine?" is not easy since wines undergo at least three decanting operations, if not more in the case of red wines aged several years:

●      the first decanting takes place immediately after fermentation, with different timing depending on the type of wine;

●      the second decanting takes place in early winter, when the low temperature makes it easier for the sediment and lees that precipitate to the bottom of the barrel to separate;

●      Finally, the third decanting generally takes place in spring, between March and April.

After the third decanting, white wines are ready to be bottled while the aging process in the cellar begins for red wines. So, when do you decant red wine to be aged? Red wines that rest in the cellar for several years generally need to be decanted twice a year (in spring and winter) and, if necessary, a small amount of sulfur dioxide, a substance essential to prevent the proliferation of bacteria inside the barrels, is added to replenish the one lost and volatilized during decanting.

Filtering wine is used to remove residues and solid parts: here's how and when to do them correctly.

The complete guide to proper wine filtration

In assessing the quality of a wine, clarity plays a key role: in fact, the absence of turbidity makes it possible to recognize a fine wine even without uncorking the bottle. It is the result of careful wine filtration and clarification carried out by master vintners through a meticulous and gradual process that requires several stages.

Understanding how to filter wine, what techniques are commonly used in the most renowned wineries, or witnessing in person the wine-making processes through a guided tour at a historic winery such as Banfi, may be a great way to expand the knowledge of the world of wine for our visitors.

How to filter wine and why

Filtering wine, red or white, is done to increase the clarity of the product by removing suspended elements that can cloud its appearance or, in some cases, compromise its quality and bouquet of aromas.

Basically, wine filtration involves separating the liquid from solid residues (lees, yeast or other grainy particles) that may remain at the bottom after pressing or fermentation. This procedure is carried out with the use of special filtering tools, made of different materials and often enriched with substances that increase their filtering capacity.

Wine filtration techniques

The different filtration techniques, depending on the grain size of the particles to be removed, are divided into:

• Coarsening filtration techniques: these are used to remove the more voluminous particles in suspension in the wine;
• brightening filtration techniques: they work on the smallest particles, those visible especially in white wines or fine productions where even the smallest sign of turbidity can compromise the quality of the product;
• sterilizing filtration techniques: they completely eliminate microorganisms in the wine, including potentially harmful yeasts, thereby stopping the fermentation process at its ideal point.

The methods used when filtering wine

Speaking of how wine is filtered, it is interesting to know that in large wineries, there are two main methods of intervention:

• the first is called sieving or surface filtration: it involves filtering the wine through a series of porous surfaces that retain impurities on the surface, since they are larger in size than the filter holes;
• the second is called absorption or depth filtration: it involves the use of absorbent fibers that retain sediment and particles within them, thus allowing only the now-brightened wine to filter through. 

Thus, there are different wine filtration techniques that also differ in the type of materials used during the process. The choice of filters depends mainly on the characteristics of the wine and the degree of clarity you want to achieve. In addition, wine filtration techniques can be performed in sequence to achieve satisfactory clarity depending on the wine being treated.

Deposit Filtration

Deposit filtration is the first to be performed and has a coarsening effect. In fact, its purpose is to remove the coarser particles through the use of a cloth. This is one of the most widely used methods to filter wine at home.

Flood filtration

Continuous flood filtration cleans the wine of fermentation sediments (lees, skins and yeasts). A perforated panel with rather large pores is used. They are filled with cellulose and silicates, materials that activate and intensify the filtration process.

The advantage of this method is that it can work on large quantities and take full advantage of the effectiveness of filtration aids.

Filtration on cartons

Filtration on cartons is through biodegradable and compostable cellulose panels enriched with cotton fibers, kieselguhr, and cationic resins. Panels are sandwiched between two perforated sheet plates, and the depth filtration is used: the cartons thus absorb and retain major impurities.

Filtration on membrane

Membrane filtration (or "microfiltration") is for wines that must meet a high degree of clarity requirements. Very thin membranes capable of retaining microscopic particles are used, made of both organic (polymeric membranes) and inorganic (ceramic material membranes) materials.

Finally, when the liquid flow is parallel to that of the membrane and minimizes deposits on the membrane, it is called tangential filtration.

Everything you need to know about traditional and modern grape harvesting. Find out what the phases of the grape harvest are at Castello Banfi Wine Resort.

Grape harvest: everything you need to know

In the complex process to transform the bunches into fine wine, the harvest is the most fascinating and evocative time. For centuries, the wine grape harvest has been one of the events that marked the passing of time and of the seasons, and today still, it is a unique experience, to be enjoyed first-hand.

The word “grape harvest” applies specifically to the collection of wine grapes, and, through the expert mix of ancient traditions and modern technology, it is the first step that leads to the production of fine wine, such as Banfi’s. Knowing how a grape harvest is done, how harvesters are called, and the secrets to recognize the best bunches will help you appreciate the value and prestige of the finest vintages.

When is the grape harvest done?

Harvesting times depend on the grape variety and on the climate. Indeed, the grape degree of ripeness is strongly affected by the soil, sun exposure and climate conditions. The harvesting period changes every year. In Italy, and in Tuscany in particular, the harvest is traditionally done between September and October, even though, over the last years, grape harvests are often earlier, and start as early as the end of August.

The best time to collect the wine grapes at the right degree of ripeness is the cooler period of the day, preferably early in the morning. Excess heat can lead to fermentation of the grapes in the baskets, thus ruining the fruits.

How to harvest: manual and mechanical collection

Grape bunches can be collected in two different ways:

●      Manual collection

●      Mechanical collection

The first method involves dozens of expert operators (wine growers), who select, one by one, the bunches to be used to make the wine; while the second method involves the use of harvesting machines that gently shake the vines, making the grapes fall into special containers.

Clearly, the second harvesting method is faster and less costly. However, it does not ensure the perfect grape quality. Only through a careful selection can the best grapes be selected, to obtain a fine wine.

How is the manual harvest done? Using special scissors, ripe grapes are removed from the plant, and then deprived of their leaves and placed in specific containers, paying attention not to squash or damage them.

The grape harvest phases

In the Banfi estate, where the Castello Banfi Wine Resort is located, grape harvest phases are carefully marked with the attention to details that has always characterized our company.

Collection

Everything starts in the vineyard, among the orderly and flourishing rows. The first phase of the grape harvest consists in collecting ripe grapes, entrusted to the experience and deep knowledge of grapes by Banfi wine growers, who manually select the best grapes, with scrupulous care. Only flawless bunches, at the right ripeness, are selected for wine making, and then collected and placed in the vats.

Pressing

In the near past, the second phase of the grape harvest - pressing - represented a time for gathering, and a true collective feast. In the old times, during the grape harvest, all the population, including children, gathered round in the fields, and pressed the grapes in large vats, barefoot.

Every day, the grape pressing phase is entrusted to special farming machines and destemmers, which crush the grapes and press them, after removing the stems.

Some wine companies and Wine Resorts, such as Castello Banfi, deeply rooted in the territory and traditions, offer guests the chance to visit the wineries and enjoy the activities carried out during the grape harvest.

Fermentation, refermentation and aging

The last phases of the grape harvest and wine production concern wort and technological innovation.

Alcoholic fermentation, which starts right after the pressing phase, usually lasts between seven and ten days, and is done in controlled-temperature barrels, with specific materials to preserve the grapes’ integrity and richness.

Lastly, the wine is left to age in environments at specific temperature and humidity rates, and only when it reaches the result the Wine Experts team desires, it is bottled and, after a resting period in the bottle, launched on the market.

Experience the unique experience of an overnight stay in a castle: discover now the list of the most beautiful places to stay in Tuscany.

Unique experiences: sleeping in a castle in Tuscany

Sleeping in a medieval castle is a romantic and unique experience, to celebrate an anniversary or another special occasion. Tuscany is one of the most sought-after destinations for this kind of stay, thanks to the beauty of the landscape and the numerous charming medieval towns - small jewels perched on top of the hills and surrounded by green lawns with vineyards.

The Tuscan landscape, for its geographical conformation and its history - filled with castles, outposts and fortresses, which have been renovated and turned into resorts over the last years - are perfect for anyone who wishes to stay in a castle and rediscover the values and beauties of this land.

And right from the desire to bring the historical and naturalistic marvels of these small hamlets to light, and from the pioneering and farsighted vision, Castello Banfi Il Borgo was born. In the enchanting hamlet of Poggio alle mura, you can stay in some of the spaces of an authentic medieval castle and surround yourself with a fairytale atmosphere.

Staying at the castle: what to expect

The most fascinating aspect of staying at the castle is being in a unique, ancient and suggestive setting, inspired by past splendors. The outlines of the towers standing out against the light blue Tuscany sky, the winding roads leading to the castle entrance, the view over the hills and the vineyards are the perfect background for a one-of-a-kind stay.

Comfort and luxury in a fairytale setting

Staying in a castle is also synonym with luxury, sophistication, attention to detail and top-rate guest service: a resort like the Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers all the amenities of a high-end facility, with the benefit of being in a magical and evocative setting.

From the Il Borgo Hotel room interiors, renovated and furnished in style, to meals served in La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, with impeccable hospitality for tastings of local products, designed with care to give an unforgettable experience to those who choose to sleep in a castle.

Experiences outside the castle

And the magic of a weekend in a caste in Tuscany also expands to the surrounding territory. Apart from relaxing in a classy, sophisticated environment, in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers you the chance to explore the Tuscan hills with hikes and guided tours, the enchanting landscape surrounding the castle. And also, wine and food experiences at local companies or wine tours.

Banfi’s Castello di Poggia alle Mura

At the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, you can enjoy all these experiences, together with the hospitality and excellence characterizing Banfi’s wine estate.

Common spaces

Common spaces were designed to offer both aggregation and intimate moments to our guest, within the magical setting of the castle. The Reading Room, with its evocative views of the second castle courtyard, is ideal to enjoy a good book, accompanied by a glass of fine wine, while the Pergolato, with its white rose garden and the view over the valley, offers an enchanting glimpse of the Tuscan landscape, and a romantic place to stroll in. Technology, comfort and luxury are mirrored in the outdoor heated swimming pool, with view over the Tuscan hills.

Restaurants

Two sophisticated gourmet restaurants inside the resort  - La Taverna and La Sala del Grappolo - add to the pleasure of staying in a castle that of tasting local delicacies and quality zero-km products, expertly used by top-rated chefs to prepare culinary masterpieces.

The rooms

The rooms and suites, finely furnished by famed interior designer Federico Forquet, and decorated with exclusive accessories, make the experience of sleeping in a castle even more comfortable and unique. Lastly, the way spaces are divided offers the chance of fully enjoying moments of relaxation and intimacy between the castle walls, while the interiors help guests achieve the greatest comfort in style.v

Whether it is a romantic dinner or a toast with the family, here is how to understand how many glasses there are in a bottle of wine.

How many glasses are in a bottle of wine?

A family lunch, work dinner or special occasion should always be paired with a nice bottle of wine, matching the menu and the guests’ taste. Moreover, for the dinner to be successful, it is important to know how many glasses can be served with a bottle of wine, in order to open the right number of bottles.

Indeed, wine, differently from other beverages such as beer or soda, should never fill the glass entirely; conversely, it should follow specific rules, depending on the kind of glass used and wine selected, in order to enhance its scent, texture and flavor, in the best way possible.

To each wine its own glass

The art of bringing wine to the table and pairing it with specific dishes is not limited to choosing the right bottle; it also concerns choosing the kind of glass and the right quantity of wine to pour in it, so as to know how many glasses can be filled with a wine bottle beforehand.

The most used glass type is the tulip glass, perfect for both white and red wines. While for red wines, pot-bellied glasses should be used, in order to make the wine breathe and release its scent and flavor bouquet.

For Spumanti and very sparkling wines, the perfect glass is the flûte, with its tall and slender cup, which helps to appreciate the pearling of this kind of wines. Lastly, glasses for dessert wines are smaller and have the characteristic rounded cup shape to enhance the aromas and the narrow opening and make them go straight to the nose.

How many glasses with a bottle of red wine or still white wine

Red or still white wines are the most appreciated on Italian tables, therefore it is important to know, for instance, how many glasses can be obtained with a 750 ml bottle.

The rule is that a tulip wine glass should never be filled completely, only by one third, and never more than two thirds of the glass. This allows the wine to release its scents and aromas, and to wine connoisseurs to test its brilliance and texture.

As mentioned earlier, still white and young red wines should be served in medium-sized tulip glasses, while structured red wines should be served in slightly larger tulip glasses. In any case, the ideal quantity of wine to pour is approximately 150 ml. Consequently, from a standard 750 ml bottle, we can obtain 5/6 glasses of wine.

How many glasses with a bottle of sparkling wine?

With sparkling wine glasses or flutes, the quantity to pour in a glass for the perfect, classy toast is always 150 ml, since the rule is to fill 90% of the flûte. Therefore, from a 750 ml bottle of sparkling wine, we obtain approximately 5 glasses.

Dessert wines: how many glasses

Sweet or dessert wine bottles are generally smaller (usually 500 ml) than table wines, and this applies also to the glasses, which are smaller and have a peculiar shape. The quantity of wine to pour is about 90 ml, almost half the glass. Therefore, we can obtain 5/6 glasses.

Tasting glasses

On a separate note, we have tasting glasses, for when you are visiting a winery, for instance. The International Organization for Standardization has coded in 1970 the size of the tasting lass used during official events, called ISO glass.

This glass has a specific shape, with a medium-sized bowl and a narrower opening, which allows the perfect concentration of aromas. During a wine tasting, the quantity of wine poured should be approximately 50- 100ml. Consequently, you can obtain between 7 and 15 glasses from a bottle.

How many glasses are in a bottle of wine?

A family lunch, work dinner or special occasion should always be paired with a nice bottle of wine, matching the menu and the guests’ taste. Moreover, for the dinner to be successful, it is important to know how many glasses can be served with a bottle of wine, in order to open the right number of bottles.

Indeed, wine, differently from other beverages such as beer or soda, should never fill the glass entirely; conversely, it should follow specific rules, depending on the kind of glass used and wine selected, in order to enhance its scent, texture and flavor, in the best way possible.

To each wine its own glass

The art of bringing wine to the table and pairing it with specific dishes is not limited to choosing the right bottle; it also concerns choosing the kind of glass and the right quantity of wine to pour in it, so as to know how many glasses can be filled with a wine bottle beforehand.

The most used glass type is the tulip glass, perfect for both white and red wines. While for red wines, pot-bellied glasses should be used, in order to make the wine breathe and release its scent and flavor bouquet.

For Spumanti and very sparkling wines, the perfect glass is the flûte, with its tall and slender cup, which helps to appreciate the pearling of this kind of wines. Lastly, glasses for dessert wines are smaller and have the characteristic rounded cup shape to enhance the aromas and the narrow opening and make them go straight to the nose.

How many glasses with a bottle of red wine or still white wine

Red or still white wines are the most appreciated on Italian tables, therefore it is important to know, for instance, how many glasses can be obtained with a 750 ml bottle.

The rule is that a tulip wine glass should never be filled completely, only by one third, and never more than two thirds of the glass. This allows the wine to release its scents and aromas, and to wine connoisseurs to test its brilliance and texture.

As mentioned earlier, still white and young red wines should be served in medium-sized tulip glasses, while structured red wines should be served in slightly larger tulip glasses. In any case, the ideal quantity of wine to pour is approximately 150 ml. Consequently, from a standard 750 ml bottle, we can obtain 5/6 glasses of wine.

How many glasses with a bottle of sparkling wine?

With sparkling wine glasses or flutes, the quantity to pour in a glass for the perfect, classy toast is always 150 ml, since the rule is to fill 90% of the flûte. Therefore, from a 750 ml bottle of sparkling wine, we obtain approximately 5 glasses.

Dessert wines: how many glasses

Sweet or dessert wine bottles are generally smaller (usually 500 ml) than table wines, and this applies also to the glasses, which are smaller and have a peculiar shape. The quantity of wine to pour is about 90 ml, almost half the glass. Therefore, we can obtain 5/6 glasses.

Tasting glasses

On a separate note, we have tasting glasses, for when you are visiting a winery, for instance. The International Organization for Standardization has coded in 1970 the size of the tasting lass used during official events, called ISO glass.

This glass has a specific shape, with a medium-sized bowl and a narrower opening, which allows the perfect concentration of aromas. During a wine tasting, the quantity of wine poured should be approximately 50- 100ml. Consequently, you can obtain between 7 and 15 glasses from a bottle.

Grape harvest: everything you need to know

In the complex process to transform the bunches into fine wine, the harvest is the most fascinating and evocative time. For centuries, the wine grape harvest has been one of the events that marked the passing of time and of the seasons, and today still, it is a unique experience, to be enjoyed first-hand.

The word “grape harvest” applies specifically to the collection of wine grapes, and, through the expert mix of ancient traditions and modern technology, it is the first step that leads to the production of fine wine, such as Banfi’s. Knowing how a grape harvest is done, how harvesters are called, and the secrets to recognize the best bunches will help you appreciate the value and prestige of the finest vintages.

When is the grape harvest done?

Harvesting times depend on the grape variety and on the climate. Indeed, the grape degree of ripeness is strongly affected by the soil, sun exposure and climate conditions. The harvesting period changes every year. In Italy, and in Tuscany in particular, the harvest is traditionally done between September and October, even though, over the last years, grape harvests are often earlier, and start as early as the end of August.

The best time to collect the wine grapes at the right degree of ripeness is the cooler period of the day, preferably early in the morning. Excess heat can lead to fermentation of the grapes in the baskets, thus ruining the fruits.

How to harvest: manual and mechanical collection

Grape bunches can be collected in two different ways:

●      Manual collection

●      Mechanical collection

The first method involves dozens of expert operators (wine growers), who select, one by one, the bunches to be used to make the wine; while the second method involves the use of harvesting machines that gently shake the vines, making the grapes fall into special containers.

Clearly, the second harvesting method is faster and less costly. However, it does not ensure the perfect grape quality. Only through a careful selection can the best grapes be selected, to obtain a fine wine.

How is the manual harvest done? Using special scissors, ripe grapes are removed from the plant, and then deprived of their leaves and placed in specific containers, paying attention not to squash or damage them.

The grape harvest phases

In the Banfi estate, where the Castello Banfi Wine Resort is located, grape harvest phases are carefully marked with the attention to details that has always characterized our company.

Collection

Everything starts in the vineyard, among the orderly and flourishing rows. The first phase of the grape harvest consists in collecting ripe grapes, entrusted to the experience and deep knowledge of grapes by Banfi wine growers, who manually select the best grapes, with scrupulous care. Only flawless bunches, at the right ripeness, are selected for wine making, and then collected and placed in the vats.

Pressing

In the near past, the second phase of the grape harvest - pressing - represented a time for gathering, and a true collective feast. In the old times, during the grape harvest, all the population, including children, gathered round in the fields, and pressed the grapes in large vats, barefoot.

Every day, the grape pressing phase is entrusted to special farming machines and destemmers, which crush the grapes and press them, after removing the stems.

Some wine companies and Wine Resorts, such as Castello Banfi, deeply rooted in the territory and traditions, offer guests the chance to visit the wineries and enjoy the activities carried out during the grape harvest.

Fermentation, refermentation and aging

The last phases of the grape harvest and wine production concern wort and technological innovation.

Alcoholic fermentation, which starts right after the pressing phase, usually lasts between seven and ten days, and is done in controlled-temperature barrels, with specific materials to preserve the grapes’ integrity and richness.

Lastly, the wine is left to age in environments at specific temperature and humidity rates, and only when it reaches the result the Wine Experts team desires, it is bottled and, after a resting period in the bottle, launched on the market.

Unique experiences: sleeping in a castle in Tuscany

Sleeping in a medieval castle is a romantic and unique experience, to celebrate an anniversary or another special occasion. Tuscany is one of the most sought-after destinations for this kind of stay, thanks to the beauty of the landscape and the numerous charming medieval towns - small jewels perched on top of the hills and surrounded by green lawns with vineyards.

The Tuscan landscape, for its geographical conformation and its history - filled with castles, outposts and fortresses, which have been renovated and turned into resorts over the last years - are perfect for anyone who wishes to stay in a castle and rediscover the values and beauties of this land.

And right from the desire to bring the historical and naturalistic marvels of these small hamlets to light, and from the pioneering and farsighted vision, Castello Banfi Il Borgo was born. In the enchanting hamlet of Poggio alle mura, you can stay in some of the spaces of an authentic medieval castle and surround yourself with a fairytale atmosphere.

Staying at the castle: what to expect

The most fascinating aspect of staying at the castle is being in a unique, ancient and suggestive setting, inspired by past splendors. The outlines of the towers standing out against the light blue Tuscany sky, the winding roads leading to the castle entrance, the view over the hills and the vineyards are the perfect background for a one-of-a-kind stay.

Comfort and luxury in a fairytale setting

Staying in a castle is also synonym with luxury, sophistication, attention to detail and top-rate guest service: a resort like the Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers all the amenities of a high-end facility, with the benefit of being in a magical and evocative setting.

From the Il Borgo Hotel room interiors, renovated and furnished in style, to meals served in La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, with impeccable hospitality for tastings of local products, designed with care to give an unforgettable experience to those who choose to sleep in a castle.

Experiences outside the castle

And the magic of a weekend in a caste in Tuscany also expands to the surrounding territory. Apart from relaxing in a classy, sophisticated environment, in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers you the chance to explore the Tuscan hills with hikes and guided tours, the enchanting landscape surrounding the castle. And also, wine and food experiences at local companies or wine tours.

Banfi’s Castello di Poggia alle Mura

At the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, you can enjoy all these experiences, together with the hospitality and excellence characterizing Banfi’s wine estate.

Common spaces

Common spaces were designed to offer both aggregation and intimate moments to our guest, within the magical setting of the castle. The Reading Room, with its evocative views of the second castle courtyard, is ideal to enjoy a good book, accompanied by a glass of fine wine, while the Pergolato, with its white rose garden and the view over the valley, offers an enchanting glimpse of the Tuscan landscape, and a romantic place to stroll in. Technology, comfort and luxury are mirrored in the outdoor heated swimming pool, with view over the Tuscan hills.

Restaurants

Two sophisticated gourmet restaurants inside the resort  - La Taverna and La Sala del Grappolo - add to the pleasure of staying in a castle that of tasting local delicacies and quality zero-km products, expertly used by top-rated chefs to prepare culinary masterpieces.

The rooms

The rooms and suites, finely furnished by famed interior designer Federico Forquet, and decorated with exclusive accessories, make the experience of sleeping in a castle even more comfortable and unique. Lastly, the way spaces are divided offers the chance of fully enjoying moments of relaxation and intimacy between the castle walls, while the interiors help guests achieve the greatest comfort in style.

During your stay at Castello Banfi, don't miss a visit to the most picturesque villages in Tuscany. Here are our recommendations.

Tuscan villages: here the ones you cannot miss

Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca are cities full of art and history that attract tourists from all over the world. However, art cities are not the only attractions in Tuscany. More and more Italian and foreign travellers are choosing to escape the big cities and take refuge in the tranquillity of the Tuscan villages, fairy-tale places where time seems to have come to standstill.

The number of small villages to visit in Tuscany is significant. Some villages are famous, such as Montalcino, others less known but equally charming, such as Rocca d'Orcia. They are ideal destinations for those who love to stroll on narrow streets and stone stairways and wish to admire breathtakingly landscapes at any time of the year, and for those who want to retrace the history of the Chianti and Brunello region.

The most beautiful villages to visit

Whether surrounded by hills cultivated with vineyards and olive groves, or perched by a medieval fortress, these are some of the most beautiful villages to visit in Tuscany in the vicinity of Castello Banfi Wine Resort

Montalcino

Montalcino owes its popularity to the renowned Brunello and other fine wines produced on the hills around this village, in addition to being one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany to visit. In fact, it is a place full of charm, between extraordinary landscapes and historical monuments, but also culturally lively, not only for those who love good wine.

The main point of interest is the imposing fortress of Montalcino, a fortress that overlooks the valley below and that in summer becomes the exceptional location for the Jazz & Wine festival in Montalcino. The Cathedral of Montalcino, which houses a beautiful pipe organ, and the Palazzo dei Priori (now the town hall), with a tall, narrow tower typical of municipal architecture, are other landmarks that deserve a visit.

Sant’Angelo in Colle

A few kilometres from Montalcino one can find the medieval village of Sant'Angelo in Colle, one of the Tuscan villages to visit when travelling in this region. The village is located on a hill in the heart of the Val d'Orcia surrounded by vineyards and cultivated fields.

Tourists who cross the gates of this village will feel as if they had just stepped back in time: they will be welcomed by a large stone tower (it is what is left of the ancient city walls), explore the medieval alleys and admire the small Piazza Castello, with its churches and historical buildings, the beating heart of artistic, cultural and gastronomic tourism of this Tuscan village.

Castiglione d’Orcia

Castiglione d'Orcia offers those visiting the villages of Tuscany one of the most breathtaking views in Italy: the  Tentennano Fortress stands in its hamlet of Rocca d'Orcia, a fortress that in the past was unconquerable located along the Via Francigena and today an extraordinary panoramic viewpoint from which to admire the hills of Tuscany from above.

The village is picture-perfect with its rural houses climbing the hill around the Aldobrandesca Fortress, symbol of the feudal family that ruled these lands and now symbol of the village itself.

Santa Fiora

The village of Santa Fiora is a small jewel nestled in the Tuscan hills, surrounded by chestnut trees and crossed by the Flora River. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to experience the past and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.  

Among the small villages in Tuscany to visit, Santa Fiora is an interesting combination of history and wilderness: exploring the uphill alleys allows admiring the terziere di Castello, the oldest district of the historical centre with its fortifications, or you can dedicate yourself to trekking and hiking on nearby Mount Amiata.

Castello di Poggio alle Mura, now known as “Castello Banfi”

Poggio alle Mura, in the province of Siena, is among the most characteristic villages to visit in Tuscany. Its history is ancient: ruins of a Roman villa were discovered just below the castle. Its greatest splendor dates back to the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location between Maremma and Val d'Orcia.

Those who visit this village in Tuscany will be fascinated by the beauty of Castello Banfi, a beautiful medieval fortress perfectly integrated into the landscape, which casts its reassuring shadow over the entire village. The castle currently houses the Museo della Bottiglia e del Vetro (The Museum of Bottles and Glass) named after J. Mariani. The museum hosts unparalleled glass finds from the Roman Age and Picasso's beautiful "The Bearer Pitcher."

Where to stay to visit Tuscan villages?

In the village of Poggio alle Mura stands Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a luxury hotel with every comfort, a perfect place to stay to visit the Tuscan villages in the surrounding area and to enjoy the region's gastronomic delicacies.

Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, in the heart of the Banfi estate, Hotel Il Borgo offers the opportunity to stay in elegant rooms tastefully furnished in perfect Tuscan style and to relax under the shadow of Castello Banfi by swimming in the beautiful heated outdoor swimming pool or savouring a glass of Banfi wine on the panoramic terrace while admiring the beauty of this Tuscan village.

When does the grape harvest begin in Tuscany? And in the other regions of Italy? Find out more about the best period for the grape harvest.

When does grape harvest take place in Tuscany?

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, not only for its cultural and culinary attractions, but also for its landscape beauty: depending on the season, you can admire always different landscapes all breathtakingly beautiful. 

One of the landscapes that attracts more and more tourists is that of the lush Tuscan hills, where the vineyards stretch out to the horizon and where the most elegant wine resorts, such as Castello Banfi Wine Resort are located. The ideal time of the year to visit Tuscany is when grape harvest takes place.

When does grape harvest take place in Tuscany?

The grape harvest in Tuscany mainly takes place in September and October.  However, the exact dates change every year because the ripening of the grapes depends on several factors that often cannot be predicted in advance. During the months before harvest, experts analyse the grapes to determine when they will reach the ideal ripeness.

In addition, not all varieties ripen at the same time: there are early varieties and late ones. Early varieties, such as those of the Chardonnay vine, are harvested in early September, and in some cases, if the weather is favorable, even in August.

On the other hand, late varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon are harvested towards the end of September and the first fifteen days of October.

Specifically because of the variety of its landscape and related climate and soil characteristics, Tuscany has grape varieties with different ripening periods. Therefore, depending on the characteristics of the vineyard, harvesting can be carried out from late August to early October.

When does harvesting take place in other regions of Italy?

Even in this case, the harvest period depends on the variety of grapes and climatic factors. In Sicily, for example, grape harvest begins in early August for those grapes that will later be used for the production of sparkling wines, while in some areas of Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige the harvest takes place not earlier than November.

How to know when to harvest?

Climate change, the disappearance of the mid-seasons, and sudden and often torrential rain that are more and more frequent, even in the winter months, are putting to the test vines and wine-makers.  The higher temperature can accelerate the ripening period but also change some of the aromatic and chemical characteristics of grapes and, consequently  that of the wines.

That is why, in order to understand when to harvest, it is necessary to assess on the field the degree of ripeness of the grapes. There are several elements to take into account to know whether the grapes are ripe or not, and there are mainly two:

• colour

• acid/sugar ratio

Colour depends on the type of vine: ripe white grapes are amber yellow (while during the ripening stage they are green), while red grapes are black when ripen (pale pink when unripe).

On the other hand, regarding the acid-sugar ratio, ripe grapes will have a higher concentration of sugar and a lower concentration of acids.

Tradition and technology to know when to harvest

A sensory grape analysis is the most traditional method for assessing the ripeness of grapes, and thus when to harvest, and it is carried out by choosing three samples of grape berries from the vineyard:

• First, a tactile analysis is performed, squeezing the berry between the fingers to assess its consistency. The softer it is, the riper it is.

• Subsequently, a visual analysis is carried out. As mentioned earlier, it is important to check if the colour of the berry matches expectations

• Finally, a tasting test takes place to asses the degree of acidity and tannic intensity of the skin.

On the other hand, technology is used to assess tonal acidity and the presence of sugar. More and more large companies are integrating traditional methods of assessing grapes with analysis in specialized laboratories to make sure they catch the perfect moment to start the harvest.

Where to witness grape harvest in Tuscany?

Grape harvest is not just a simple harvest, but a true art, and this is the reason why it is truly fascinating and educational to witness it.

Staying at a wine resort, such as Castello Banfi, wandering around the estate during harvest time, it may happen that you can admire the grape harvest and enjoy a unique experience. 

Grape harvest at Castello Banfi, despite the significant extension of the vineyards, is carried out partly by hand and partly by machine. The harvest of Sangiovese, a late variety of vine compared to others, yet unique and exclusive for producing Brunello di Montalcino, takes place roughly around the last week of September. Therefore, September is the ideal month if you wish to witness the grape harvest that takes place in Tuscany and stay at Castello Banfi.

The magic of a castle and the authenticity of a Fram house: discover Castello Banfi's packages and enjoy a unique experience of wine and relaxation.

Castello Banfi: a resort  on the Tuscan hills

Tuscany is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for Italian and foreign tourists, especially for those who are looking for a relaxing weekend away from city stress or who wish to experience a vacation in touch with nature without giving up on comfort and good food. The ideal way to explore the land of Brunello and Chianti is to look for a resort nestled in the Tuscan hills.       

Tuscan hills and resorts

The Tuscan hills are one of the symbols of this region, not only because the landscape is predominantly hilly, but also because of the synergy created over the centuries between people and land. When one thinks about the Tuscan hills, the first image that comes to mind is not that of uncultivated and wild nature, but that of neat rows of vines, fragrant groves of olive trees, cultivated fields and small villages, in a perfect combination of natural and man-made landscapes. 

And, among the beautiful sceneries of the Tuscan hills are farm holidays and resorts, excellent accommodation facilities that are perfectly integrated into the landscape that can enhance it even more. One of such examples is Castello Banfi Wine Resort, an accommodation facility in the Tuscan hills located in the village of Poggio alle Mura.

Castello Banfi Wine Resort     

Staying at Castello Banfi Wine Resort means experiencing the magic of a castle without giving up on the authenticity of Tuscany: waking up every day in an enchanting medieval village, strolling through vineyards and olive groves, delighting the palate with good wine and traditional food, and enjoying Tuscan hospitality.

The magic of a castle

Castello Banfi Wine Resort is a charming fortress built between the ninth and thirteenth centuries over an ancient Roman villa, in a privileged location between Siena and the Maremma. Tourists looking for a resort on the Tuscan hills cannot fail to admire this imposing and elegant silhouette towering over the green hills and cultivated fields, charming and fascinating like a fairy-tale castle.

And the atmosphere that tourists breathe here is exactly that of a fairy tale, which makes this castle the ideal destination for those looking for a romantic vacation in Tuscany. Castello Banfi Wine Resort offers the possibility to stay in the beautiful Hotel Il Borgo, a refined and exclusive property with wonderful rooms and suites furnished in Tuscan style and equipped with all comforts.

The old cellars of the castle host La Tavernarestaurant, a characteristic restaurant where tourists can breathe an atmosphere of the past and taste the typical dishes of the Tuscan tradition made even more authentic and delicious by the use of fresh and genuine ingredients grown right on the Tuscan hills. 

Below the shadow of the castle one can find the elegant and award winning Restaurant La Sala dei Grappoli where the authenticity of old-fashioned flavours meet the creativity and genius of our Chef, and where tourists can pamper themselves with a truly unique culinary experience.

Many wonderful outdoor activities

Castello Banfi Wine Resort has also an "adventurous" and lively side: there are many sports activities to enjoy while staying at this resort in the Tuscan hills, and they are suitable for everyone. Those who love to be in close contact with nature cannot miss the beautiful horseback rides or mountain bike tours in Val d'Orcia, while those looking for relaxation near the castle can take advantage of the various massages that can be booked at the resort. 

Golf is also one of the activities that can be enjoyed in the area: for our guests, we personally take care of arranging a day or half-day at one of the golf courses in the surrounding area, taking care of the booking and planning, and leaving only the fun to the guests.

Castello Banfi Special Vacation Packages

To enjoy the magic of the place and the authenticity of the land, Castello Banfi Wine Resort has created an Escape to Tuscany special vacation package for all couples who wish to treat themselves to a romantic stay in a resort on the hills of Tuscany, enjoying relaxation, good wine and traditional cuisine.

"Escape to Tuscany" vacation package: what does it include?

The "Escape to Tuscany" vacation package includes, in addition to a stay in one of Hotel Il Borgo's beautiful rooms (three half-bottles of Banfi wines in the room are available to guests), a rich breakfast and our Chef’s tasting menu dinner at the award-winning La Sala dei Grappoli restaurant.

It will be possible to visit our wine cellar and exclusive Balsameria (the cellar where balsamic vinegar is aged), with a final tasting of the best wines, carefully selected for you.

When talking about wine, there is no way one can ignore the objects used to contain it, and specifically bottles and glasses. In some cases, even, when talking about a good wine, it is referred to as a “good bottle”, while there is a genuine classification for glasses and goblets, since each wine deserves its own type to bring out its full range of characteristics. 

We have come a long way to get to the production of glass goblets such as the ones we use today. Although glass has been used since ancient times, it was only in Imperial Rome that it was systematically used to make glasses and bottles.

If you want to see some evidence of this lengthy creative process and craftsmanship, there is no better place than the  Bottle and Glass Museum. Located at Castello Banfi Wine Resort, this museum, which is named after G. F. Mariani, contains ancient artefacts and pieces of modern art that show the different stages in glass-making history.

A brief history of glass

Humankind has been able to work glass since the third millennium BCE: in Mesopotamia, glass paste was used for decorative purposes, while from the 7th-6th centuries BCE, the Greek and Phoenician civilisations began to make jars for perfumes and unguents as well as glass jewellery.

As already mentioned, there was a genuine glass-making industry in place during the Roman period, around the first century CE, when artisans began to use glass-blowing techniques (imported from the Middle East) to make items that were more similar to those we use today, such as glasses, bottles, lanterns, and in some rare cases, windows.

Italy’s golden period of glass-making came in the Middle Ages, when glass was used to make the magnificent coloured windows we see today in churches and cathedrals all over Europe, and when the master craftsmen of Murano withdrew to their island to jealously guard the secrets of their glass-making techniques.

Glass-making in stages

What is glass made of? What are the basic substances in this material? Glass is an amorphous solid, which means it has a random crystalline lattice arrangement and it is created through the solidification of a liquid without successive crystallisation process. In the majority of cases, glass paste is made from silicon oxide (SiO2), a material with a very slow crystallisation speed and a relatively high melting point (1800 °C).

Due to the high energy costs of keeping furnaces at this temperature, it is preferable to make glass from other recycled glass, which has a lower melting temperature.

Glass-making in stages

Glass making has different stages. The first stage is the preparation of the materials:  silica sand is sifted and dried (and if necessary, mixed with other chemicals, according to the required finish) while, in the case of recycled glass, it is necessary to separate the secondary substances.

The next stage is melting, which takes place in furnaces at controlled temperatures of around 1600°C. The mix of glass is then cut and placed in moulds. 

The third stage is forming, when the glass takes on its required shape, such as that of a bottle. The vitrified paste is placed in a mould and it adheres to the sides, taking shape thanks to a pressing action.  The glass is then blown to give it its final shape and empty space on the inside.

Bottle and Glass Museum

The ideal place in which to immerse yourself in the history of glass is, as we mentioned, the Bottle and Glass Museum at Castello Banfi Wine Resort.

The collections in this museum are among the world’s richest, because they encompass various centuries of history, starting with the Roman rooms and on to the glass masterpieces of Picasso, passing via the fascinating glass pieces from Venice.

The five rooms have been carefully studied to offer a charming, immersive experience to visitors, not only because they will be in the exceptional location of the stalls and the old mill of a mediaeval fortress, but also because they can follow the evolution of the wine glass in the very area in which the world’s finest wine is made: the Tuscan hillsides, in the area of Montalcino.

Museum artefacts

The Roman collection includes artefacts in vitreous paste from the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, jars and containers in blow glass for balms and unguents from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, and bottles and carafes in blown glass from the 4th and 5th centuries CE. This is one of the most fascinating and extensive collections, brought back to its ancient splendour thanks to restoration work carried out by the Laboratorio del Vetro di San Giovanno Valdarno in Arezzo.

The collection of Venetian glass and glass from Murano has been added to over the last few years with two masterpieces acquired by the Fondazione Banfi: a “reticello” bowl from the 16th century, and a large display glass with enamelled brass elements. 

Lastly, the modern pieces in glass include a stunning “Portatrice” by Pablo Picasso, a unique piece that shows the multifaceted talent of this artist.

H3: Museum Info

The Museum is open all year round, so if you are holidaying in or around Montalcino, you can always come and visit to satisfy your curiosity about the history of glass-making. From 9 March to 12 November, the rooms are open to the public from 10.00 to 19.30, while from 12 November to 9 March, they are open from 10.00 to 18.00.

Tickets are available from Enoteca Banfi at a price of 4 euro and concessions are available.