Castello Banfi, Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2012

Rosso di Montalcino, often dubbed “Baby Brunello,” gives consumers a glimmer of the grandeur of the more prestigious appellation at a more affordable price.  And, unlike Brunello itself, wines carrying the Rosso di Montalcino name are ready to drink upon release. Banfi, one of the region’s top producers, always makes a fine Rosso from grapes grown in vineyards that carry that designation and from Brunello they think is not up to snuff (declassified Brunello).  Banfi’s 2012 is immediately appealing with ripe cherry-like fruit, supple tannins, an alluring dose of dark minerality and remarkable length.  A good choice now for a meaty pasta dish.