Review: Banfi 2021 La Pettegola Vermentino and 2018 Brunello di Montalcino

Review: Banfi 2021 La Pettegola Vermentino and 2018 Brunello di Montalcino

Two new wines from Tuscany’s Banfi — which, unlike some of the stuff we review here, you should be able to find anywhere you live.

2021 Banfi La Pettegola Vermentino Maremma IGT – This Maremma-born expression of vermentino is surprisingly fruity and creamy, showcasing a mix of lemon curd, vanilla, and marshmallow up top that segues into a more acidic character as it develops in the glass. Here the lemon takes on a juicier overtone, with echoes of gooseberry on the finish. Versatile, with lingering white floral notes on the finish adding some nuance. Outstanding value, too. A- / $19

2018 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – A relatively soft and quiet Brunello, this wine takes its time to open up, slowly revealing gentle notes of plum and spiced cherry, with no tannin at all visible underneath. The lightly fruity character winds its way to an equally easygoing finish, slightly gummy and reminiscent of a blueberry gastrique. A little too simplistic for me at this price point, but easy enough for a weekday dinner pairing. B / $75

2018 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

$75
8

Rating

8.0/10

A veteran journalist, the author of four books, a published poet, and an award-winning winemaker, Christopher Null has more than 25 years of experience writing about wine and spirits. He founded Drinkhacker in 2007. He also writes regularly about the science of booze for WIRED and is an occasional contributor to ADI's Distiller magazine. He has been a judge for both the American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits and Whiskies of the World spirits competitions and often works as a consultant, developing formal tasting notes for spirits brands around the world.

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