A new generation is using historical knowledge of where the best grapes grow to map Montalcino piece by piece. Walter investigates developments at Banfi, Argiano, Canalicchio di Sopra, Capanna and Tiezzi, whose legendary Vigna Soccorso is seen above from the walls of Montalcino.
Last January, while I was in Montalcino to taste the newly released 2017 Brunellos and the 2016 Riservas, I paid a visit to Banfi, the giant Italo-American operation (2,830 ha/6,990 acres in Montalcino alone) which annually produces, inter alia, 500,000 bottles of Brunello (as well as 650,000 bottles of wine from its 114 ha/282 acres of Pinot...