Castello Banfi of Montalcino, Tuscany, has redesigned its grappa bottle in tribute to the 12th century fortress that crowns its premier vineyard estate.
The sleek new design, created by Banfi family proprietor John F. Mariani, bears a subtle relief of stone blocks on the shoulder of the bottle, reminiscent of a castle turret. The bottle is completely frosted except for a central transparent window that highlights and magnifies a line drawing of Castello Banfi, the fortress formerly known as Poggio alle Mura, on the opposite side of the bottle. The castle design, as well as the Banfi crest and all descriptive copy are printed in blue and black ink directly on the bottle rather than using a paper label. A royal blue capsule closure emblazoned with the Banfi crest in silver finishes the package.
Unlike brandy, which is distilled from wine, grappa is distilled from the soul of the grape - the solids left behind when the juice of the grape starts on its journey to becoming wine. Castello Banfi Grappa is made from the pomace of the estate's Brunello di Montalcino, which is distilled by steam then refined in small oak barriques to yield a grappa that is smooth and has depth.
Castello Banfi Grappa has an alcohol content of 45%, or 90 Proof, and retails for around $43.00.
