Summer is the time to dine al fresco, enjoy grilled proteins with a beautiful glass of wine. One of Italy’s leading wine producers Banfi makes it easy to pair wine with food. Their wines are affordable, quality wines often under $20 a bottle, and some worth the splurge.

2019 Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio Toscana IGT (SRP: $18.99)
Recommendation: A crisp white wine that you will want to stock up on for everyday summer sipping.

This elegant Pinot Grigio is uniquely produced from Montalcino in southern Tuscany, with lush tropical fruit notes distinguishing San Angelo from its northern counterparts. The San Angelo Pinot Grigio displays a fresh bouquet of pear, ripe peach, and tropical fruits. Crisp on the palate with refreshing acidity, this wine is excellent as an aperitif or paired alongside light dishes such as grilled vegetables and pasta primavera, as well as a range of seafood.

2019 Banfi La Pettegola Vermentino Toscana IGT (SRP: $19.99)

Recommendation: For seaside or beach sipping, enhanced by an ocean breeze and fresh caught seafood

La Pettegola’s translation has double meaning: it refers to coastal seabirds and is also a term for a gossiper. Delightfully fresh, La Pettegola Vermentino is the talk of the town for the quality-for-value it offers. The Vermentino grapes are sourced from around Maremma, and fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks to preserve the purity of this wine. Fruit-forward with notes of exotic fruits, a hint of spice, and touch of salinity from the proximity to the Mediterranean coast.

Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling White, Asti DOCG (SRP: $19.99) 

Recommendation: Deviate from Prosecco for weekend brunches to add a crisp hint of sweetness to savory brunch favorites like eggs benedict or avocado toast.

Newly launched in May 2021, this Sparkling White offers an abundance of aromatics and a sophisticated, balanced sweetness that is indicative of the Rosa Regale name. Banfi produces this fresh, elegant sparkling wine from 100% Moscato Bianco grown in Piedmont. The Rosa Regale Sparkling White offers intense aromas of orange blossom with hints of acacia flowers and sage and is well-balanced with fresh. acidity and hints of honey.

2016 Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (SRP: $20.99)

Recommendation: Ideal for grilling season so pair with steak fajita skewers or turkey burger sliders.

A staple of the Banfi range, the Chianti Classico Riserva is made with predominantly Sangiovese and small amounts of Canaiolo Nero and Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for at least two years, with a minimum of one year in Slavonian oak barrels and spends an additional six months in bottle. The Chianti Classico Riserva is rich with deep cherry, leather, and subtle wood notes. On the palate, it offers supple tannins, bright acidity, and a lingering finish. Pair this wine with flavorful roasts, pastas, and charcuterie boards. 

2016 Castello Banfi Magna Cum Laude Toscana IGT (SRP: $39.99)

Recommendation: Toast to a graduate with this aptly named wine, whether you celebrate them with a fun, casual barbecue or an intimate dinner party.

Latin for “high honors,” Castello Banfi’s Magna Cum Laude combines Montalcino’s historic Sangiovese Brunello clone with international grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Bottled unfiltered, this wine is full-bodied with notes of blackberries, plums, licorice, black olives, and pipe-tobacco. Its supple tannins and layered complexity makes for an ideal match for rustic bean soups such as the Tuscan classic Ribollita and grilled meats such as hangar steak. 

2016 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (SRP: $74.99)

Recommendation: A sophisticated gift for Father’s Day that dad can enjoy alongside his favorite steak to grill or age for years to come.

Castello Banfi’s Brunello di Montalcino sets the benchmark for elegance and refinement. Produced entirely from estate vineyards on the southern hills of Montalcino using select clones of Sangiovese, the 2016 vintage represents an iconic expression for both Brunello and Banfi. This wine is released after five years of aging, two of which are spent in oak barrels of various sizes, primarily French oak barriques with Slavonian oak casks. The result is a layered wine with aromas of tart cherry, spice, violets, and vanilla with hints of licorice. On the palate, this wine is full and well-structured, with velvety tannins and superb concentration.