2010 Italian Wine

Rosso di Altesino has a vibrant ruby red color and inviting aromas of ripe berries and forests. Inviting, fragrant, incredibly supple, with excellent body and balanced structure, Rosso di Altesino is an excellent value―a perfect choice for pasta, Alfredo sauces, polenta, white meats and semi-soft cheeses.

Ruby red in color. Intense bouquet with notes of cherries, plums, and violets. Rich flavors of cherry and leather. Supple tannins and good acidity.

Festive cranberry in color with an aromatic bouquet with hints of raspberries, strawberries and rose. A fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a round and luscious finish. A unique and festive sparkling wine and a seductive aperitif. Pairs well with seafood, cheeses, spicy fare and chocolate. Serve chilled.

The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino flows across the palate with layers of lush, expressive fruit. The wine's minerality comes through on the mid-palate and finish. I very much like the combination of rich fruit and freshness in this lush, textured Rosso. Banfi aged the Rosso in a combination of French oak barrels and casks. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.

This 100% Merlot is made from grapes that are hand-harvested from the estate’s best vineyards in the hills around Orvieto, in Umbria. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats, and then aged in Nevers oak barrels for an additional seven months. To preserve the full character of the Umbrian terroir, the wine is bottled without filtration or excessive manipulation. Deep ruby in color, with a refined aroma of wild herbs, blackberry, and light vanilla, this fresh, medium-bodied wine pairs especially well with traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta with meat sauce, braised beef or pork, and spicy Italian sausage. -- Ben Giliberti