What kind of wine is Toscana Rosso IGT 'Excelsus' 2019 - Banfi?

The Toscana Rosso IGT 'Excelsus' 2019 - Banfi is an elegant Supertuscan born in the heart of Montalcino, the result of a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, two international grape varieties that find a great expression of personality in Tuscany. It is a full-bodied, intense, and harmonious wine, combining the elegance of Merlot with the decisive structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing the identity of the territory and Banfi style to the glass. Produced only in the best vintages, it represents one of the winery's most iconic labels, a symbol of balance between oenological innovation and Tuscan tradition.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a regular spring and a warm but not excessive summer. The temperature excursions between day and night during the final ripening phase favored perfect aromatic concentration and complete phenolic maturation of the grapes. The result is a refined wine with mature tannins and an extraordinary aging potential over time.

Winemaking and Aging

The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are vinified separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, where fermentation occurs slowly to preserve fragrance and freshness. This is followed by a maceration of about 10-12 days, useful for extracting the intense color and finer aromatic components. The wine then ages in French oak barriques for about 20 months, where it develops depth, elegance, and complexity. Once blended and bottled, it rests for a few more months in the cellar before being released to the market.

Tasting Notes

Color

On sight, Toscana Rosso IGT 'Excelsus' 2019 - Banfi presents a deep and brilliant ruby red color, with light garnet hues that anticipate its maturity and evolutionary richness.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and complex: notes of ripe red fruits, plum, and sour cherry in spirits emerge, accompanied by elegant hints of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, and sweet spices from the long aging in wood. A scent that evolves in the glass minute by minute, revealing all its refinement.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is decisive and soft at the same time, with a warm and velvety entrance. The tannin – the natural substance that gives the characteristic astringent sensation in structured reds – is fine and perfectly integrated. The body is full and the aromatic persistence is long and enveloping, with returns of ripe fruit, cocoa, and spices.

What dishes to pair with Toscana Rosso IGT 'Excelsus' 2019 - Banfi

Toscana Rosso IGT 'Excelsus' 2019 - Banfi is a versatile yet decisive wine, ideal for accompanying important dishes and juicy red meats. It pairs well with:

• beef fillet with mushrooms or truffles
• roast or braised lamb
• wild boar or Tuscan beef stews
• aged hard cheeses

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed slowly with dark chocolate or on its own, to appreciate every nuance.

Storage and Aging

Knowing how to store Toscana Rosso IGT 'Excelsus' 2019 - Banfi wine is essential to maintain its quality. Store the bottles horizontally, in a dark place free from vibrations, at a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. The ideal humidity should be around 70%. Thanks to its structure and prolonged aging, this wine has an excellent aging potential: it can be stored in the cellar for over 10 years, during which it will develop increasingly complex and nuanced aromas, making each bottle a unique experience to rediscover over time.