Banfi Chianti Classico 2005

Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany and is well-known for quality wines. In fact, it is the number one red wine in Italy. My traditionally skeptical way of thinking was wondering why this historically well-known product is so popular and also sold for fewer than twenty dollars a bottle. Sure, it is true that good things are not always expensive and this wine lives up to its name.

Chianti Classico is produced with 100% Sangiovese grapes. Sangiovese for those of you whom are not familiar is a red wine grape that originated from Italy. Throughout the years, it has been one of the main components to Chianti's blend success however more and more companies are starting to use them around the world. Sangiovese grapes are popular because it contains a fruity flavor such as strawberries but also holds a spiciness that many red wine lovers prefer.

The name of this wine is very completed. During the beginning Chianti was made in 1716 in the Lega del Chianti and later Provincia del Chianti (Chianti province). Then, the new part of Chianti was grown into the main producing region. It grew so large that it was divided into eight sections called Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Montespertoli and Rùfina regions. Therefore, by seeing the black roaster label on the bottle you will make note that the Sangiovese grapes used in this wine were blended from two different regions which are the Chianti Classico region. This black roaster label is very special because it means that the grapes date back to 1716 and are more original than other blends that state they use Sangiovese grapes.

In my personal opinion, I love the fact that this wine dates back to the 16^th century. A rich history in any business has something to say about the quality and the quantity that is sold. Unfortunately though, the taste of the wine after being in oak barrels gives off a tarry taste. Being a beginning wine connoisseur, I typically do not prefer to drink red wine and this wine was not conflicting. This wine was tasted in a wine club with beginning and novice wine drinkers. For the most part, all wine tasters that were beginners did not like the flavor however the novice wine tasters really enjoyed the rich spicy flavor. These novice tasters stated they could taste a slight fruity flavor however it was very slight.

In my family, we will stay away from this wine because of the tarry flavor that is given from the oak barrels. If we have guests over though that prefers to drink dark red wines, we will think about purchasing a bottle or two though. It is not perfect for beginners however wonderful for novice drinkers. For beginning red wine drinkers, I would suggest trying Banfi Collepino 2005 which is slightly sweeter since it is made from a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot grapes. The overall quality is great and the price is right for those looking for a red wine!