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Importers of Fine Wines Since 1919 | Resources for the Trade |
CASTELLO BANFI HONORED WITH VINITALY'S TOP AWARD
Vinitaly Recognizes Montalcino's Premier Estate For Pursuit of Excellence
MONTALCINO, ITALY, APRIL 2009 - Castello Banfi has been honored as the foremost ambassador for Italy's historic traditions and innovations in winemaking. The VinItaly International Award, bestowed for distinguished achievements in the world of wine, recognizes Banfi's leadership role and dedication to excellence.
"Castello Banfi today represents one of the leading ambassadors of 'Made in Italy' throughout the world," said Giovanni Mantovani, Director General of VeronaFiere, the parent organization of VinItaly. "A driving force behind Montalcino, insolubly tied to the territory which rises up with intensity in ever sip of its wines, Castello Banfi has succeeded in combining good business sense with high quality, technological innovation with tradition, and always with a profound respect for the territory and environment."
Cristina Mariani-May, family proprietor of Castello Banfi, accepted the award in Verona on the eve of the fair's 43rd edition.
For 90 years, Banfi has dedicated itself to fine wine, and is no stranger to the stage at VinItaly, with its historic estate in Tuscany having been awarded the "Premio Gran VinItaly" an unprecedented four times, and declared "Italy's Best Winery" eleven consecutive years; those prizes were based on the results of blind tastings by international professionals prior to the fair.
"My colleagues and I are forever dedicated to the pioneering achievements which have become especially meaningful in the world today, where consumers seek pure and natural wines with value prices," said Ms. Mariani-May.
Castello Banfi pioneered vitis vinifera clonal research to improve historical Brunello di Montalcino, and re-introduced Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato and Sauvignon Blanc to the region, producing "food wines," low in sulfites and histamines. It is the first winery in the world awarded international recognition for Exceptional Environmental, Ethical and Social Responsibility (ISO 14001 and SA8000) and International Leader in Customer Satisfaction (ISO 9001:2000) by the International Standard Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.