ExcelsuS
⏳ Drinking Window
2026 - 2042
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled prime ribeye steak, slow-braised wild boar or beef ragu, and aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano.
✨ Technical Specifications
Castello Banfi, founded in 1978 by the Italian-American Mariani brothers, revolutionized the viticultural landscape of Montalcino. While the estate is world-renowned for its Brunello, ExcelsuS represents their premier exploration of Bordeaux varieties in Tuscan soil. Crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this Super Tuscan is born from estate vineyards characterized by clay and calcareous soils strewn with marine fossils. The grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in Banfi's signature hybrid wood-and-steel tanks, followed by aging for roughly 18 to 24 months in French oak barriques. The result is a wine of immense structure and complexity, marrying the rich, dark-fruit character of Cabernet with the velvety softness of Merlot, all framed by Tuscan warmth.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani, Banfi is centered around the historic medieval fortress Castello di Poggio alle Mura in Montalcino, Tuscany. The estate played a pivotal role in the modern renaissance of Brunello di Montalcino through pioneering clonal research on Sangiovese, state-of-the-art vinification techniques, and dedicated environmental sustainability. Operating across prime vineyard sites in Tuscany and Piedmont, the winery harmonizes classic Italian heritage with modern precision. Banfi is internationally celebrated for its benchmark Brunello di Montalcino bottlings, expressive Super Tuscan blends such as Cum Laude and Belnero, and an expansive portfolio of elegant single-varietal and sparkling wines.