Banfi Chianti Superiore
Banfi Chianti Superiore is a Sangiovese-led Tuscan red from the Chianti Superiore DOCG, at about 13% ABV in a 750mL bottle. Order it online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — a polished, food-first Chianti from one of Tuscany's most recognized estates.
- ABV: ~13% (technical data varies slightly by vintage, 13–13.5%)
- Size: 750mL
- Grapes: Predominantly Sangiovese, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero
- Aging: Maceration up to 8 days at 25–30°C, malolactic fermentation, 4–5 months in French oak barriques, then extended bottle aging
- Origin: Tuscan hills of the delimited Chianti DOCG zone (estate vineyards south of Montalcino)
- Accolade: 90 Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys of 2024 (2022 vintage, per banfiusa.com)
Why "Superiore" Matters
The "Superiore" designation isn't marketing — it signifies stricter government regulations than basic Chianti: lower vineyard yields, greater plant density, and slightly higher alcohol and fruit extraction. Banfi's winemaking team ferments with traditional maceration on the skins, completes malolactic fermentation for softness, then ages the wine 4 to 5 months in French oak barriques followed by extended bottle aging before release.
Tasting Notes
Intense ruby red in the glass, with a fruit-forward nose of wild violet, cherry, plum, and berries. The palate is round and soft, well balanced by good acidity, with smooth tannins and a rich, persistent finish — ready to drink and pleasantly enveloping.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F). Pair it the Tuscan way: pasta all'amatriciana, lasagna, roasted or grilled meats, porchetta, cured meats, and medium-aged cheeses. It also handles white-meat dishes like stewed rabbit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes are in Banfi Chianti Superiore?Traditional Chianti varieties with a strong predominance of Sangiovese, plus Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero, from Banfi's estate vineyards in the hilly area south of Montalcino.
What does Chianti Superiore DOCG mean?It's a stricter tier within Chianti: lower yields and higher plant density in the vineyard, and slightly higher alcohol and extraction than standard Chianti DOC.
What foods pair best with Chianti Superiore?Red-sauced pastas, roasted and grilled meats, cured meats, and aged cheeses. Its balanced acidity also makes it an excellent all-meal wine. Explore more Chianti or the full Banfi range at Del Mesa Liquor.
Put a benchmark Tuscan on the table this week — order Banfi Chianti Superiore online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, and have dinner's pairing handled.