Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2006

I have not been writing much about the wine that I drink for a long while - more than 5 months to be exact, since last November. That does not mean I have not been drinking but I was too lazy to take pictures of the wine after every drinking session. In addition, for the past months my focus for this blog had been on the "Chef" more than the "Sommelier" part as I whipped up dishes for the year-end parties, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day etc.

But a recent comment left by Ju (The Little Teochew) on one of my earlier wine of the week posts reminded me that I have been neglecting the "Sommelier" part of my blog and urged me to keep it active. 

So during one of our recent TGIF wine sessions when my nose was intrigued and my palate delighted by this bottle of Brunello di Montalcino, I put in a conscious effort to remind myself to keep the bottle for this post.

Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape varietal in Italy and in Tuscany, it is the only grape variety allowed in the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.  And according to wine producer Castello Banfi,  Brunello di Montalcino is their "classic" production achieved through 20 over years of research. The wine is aged in Frech oak barrels for two years and then in bottles for another two before being released.

Let this wine breathe for about half an hour before enjoying. Nose of tobacco and berries, the wine has a medium body and smooth on the palate with a long finish. 

I enjoyed this wine.

Vintage:  2006

Producer:  Castello Banfi

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Designation: Brunello di Montalcino

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Sub-Region: Montalcino

Type: Red Wine