Banfi makes this in Montalcino, in southern Tuscany, from two grapes that rarely share a bottle: Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The wine is bottled under Tuscany IGT, the region's catch-all appellation, which is what allows a blend like this to exist at all.
- Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, blended.
- Tuscany IGT, central Italy.
- 2022 vintage, 12.5% alcohol.
- Dry, medium body, medium acidity.
How it is made
Tuscany IGT is the flexible tier of Tuscan wine law. Where Chianti and Brunello prescribe their grapes and their ageing, IGT lets a producer put together varieties that the stricter appellations would not permit. Banfi grows both grapes in Montalcino, in the warm, dry south of the region.
How it tastes
Green apple and white peach at the front, then citrus zest and a faint almond note that comes from the Chardonnay. A mineral, stony finish keeps it from sitting flat. Medium acidity, dry, and light enough in tannin that nothing grips.
Good to know
Pinot Grigio is a mutation of Pinot Noir. The same grape that gives red Burgundy throws pink-skinned berries here, and pressed off quickly they give a white wine. In Italy it is picked early to keep the acidity that makes a blend like this work.
