WITH four different Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino vintages arranged in front of them, it was only natural for the wine aficionados to pick their favourites.
But Castello Banfi’s regional manager Guillaume Blanchard noted that every vintage has its time to shine.
“Some wines have a long life span while some unpopular vintages have shorter life span.
“It’s up to the producer to pinpoint the best time to drink the wines,” he said.
Take the youngest of the four — Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 — for instance, Blanchard likened it to a teenager packed with power.
And let’s not forget that wines evolve over time, so the 2006 vintage would taste differently, next year.
Blanchard shared his insights at the recent Castello Banfi vertical wine dinner at Prego, The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
The other three vintages were Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 1997, 2000 and 2001. They were served when the main course, Roast Venison, Chocolate Ganache and Blueberry Sauce, and Green Beans with Lemon and Mint, was served.
Blanchard said the wines were made of 100% Sangiovese grapes from Montalcino, Italy.
They were aged for two years in oak barrels, and another eight to 12 months in bottles before being marketed.
Every vintage has it s time to shine: Blanchard (left) and The Westin KLfood and beverage assistant director Huza Radzi with the Castello BanfiBrunello di Montalcino wines.A special mention must be given to Riedel’s Swan and Eve decanters used to decant these wines.
Not only were they functional, their slender designs made them immaculate art pieces.
The other wines tasted by guests were Vigne Regali Principessa Gavia, Gavi DOCG 2010, which was served with Parmesan Custard with Anchovy Toasts, Sugar-Cured Crostini with Fried Sage, Porcini Arancini and Aioli, and Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio Toscana IGT 2011 paired with Cured Wild Salmon Lasagna.
Castello Banfi Belnero Toscana IGT 2009 was next, when Pickled Beetroot, Honey, Goats’ Cheese Emulsion and Pickled Plum was served.
Third course: Cured Wild Salmon Lasagna servedwith Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot GrigioToscana IGT 2011Castello Banfi Excelsus Sant’ Antimo DOC 2007 went with Squid Ink Potato Gnocchi with Fresh Squid and Chilli, while Banfi Vigne Regali Rosa Regale 2011 and Banana and Olive Parfait, Pistachio Cake and Olive Puree ended the six-course dinner.
Blanchard pointed out that wines with DOCG identification was a quality assurance label for the wines.
The labels are identifiable by the pink seals wrapped on the wine bottles.
“Each bottle has its own registration number.
“If you key in the code series and the numbers on the Brunello consortium website, you will be able to trace the name of the producer and the year the wine was produced,” he explained.
Castello Banfi wines are distributed in Malaysia by Asiaeuro Wines Sdn Bhd. For details, call 03-7883 2855.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
