Tasting notes:

Banfi’s Poggio alle Mura epitomises the striving of the Mariani family and their late oenology consultant Ezio Rivella for terrific wines, expressive of the terroir. From the best Brunello clones of Sangiovese comes this superb example. Quite deep garnet-hued, the wine shows cherry, cranberry and pomegranate fruit with subtle earthy and leather tones of wood. Dry, but sweet-fruited, the palate has crisp acidity and grainy-textured tannins in support. Full-bodied, the wine is accented by cloves, allspice and black pepper. A very good pairing is casseroled rabbit accompanied by herbed white beans. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)