Verona, Italy – April 2010— Castello Banfi has been once again declared Italy’s top winery at the prestigious International Enological Concourse, held annually at the VinItaly wine fair in Verona, Italy.
The recognition is based on points awarded by an international panel during a rigorous blind tasting, the sum of each producer’s top three wines to receive the “Gran Menzione,” equivalent of a gold medal. It is the 12th time in 17 years that Castello Banfi has been declared Italy’s best winery, in addition to being awarded the “Premio Gran VinItaly” an unprecedented four times.
In 2009 Banfi was also honored with the VinItaly International Award, bestowed for distinguished achievements in the world of wine, leadership and dedication to excellence as one of the leading ambassadors of “Made in Italy” throughout the world.
Giovanni Mantovani, Director General of VeronaFiere, the parent organization of VinItaly, called Banfi “a driving force behind Montalcino, insolubly tied to the territory which rises up with intensity in every sip of its wines, combining good business sense with high quality, technological innovation with tradition, always with a profound respect for the territory and environment.”
The Castello Banfi vineyard estate, located in Montalcino, Tuscany, was founded in 1978 by US brothers John and Harry Mariani of Banfi Vintners, America’s leading importer of fine wine.
Castello Banfi is the first winery in the world to be awarded international recognition for Exceptional Environmental, Ethical and Social Responsibility (ISO 14001 and SA8000) as well as an International Leader in Customer Satisfaction (ISO 9001:2000) by the International Standard Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. Castello Banfi has become a hallmark for Tuscan hospitality and food, and includes a classic taverna, enoteca, private glass museum, balsamic cellars, winery tours, and a five star Borgo with luxury rooms and suites.
Contact: Lorella Carresi – Banfi PR & Communication Manager
E-mail lorella:carresi@banfi.it
www.castellobanfi.com
