Super Tuscan "Excelsus Toscana IGT", Castello Banfi, Tuscany, IT, 2019 (Mariani Family)

The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are vinifi ed separately with a maceration of between 8 and 18 days. Alcoholic fermentation is followed by malolactic fermentation in barriques in temperature controlled areas. For the fi rst 12-14 months, the varieties age separately in French oak barriques. They are then blended and aged as a cuvée for an additional 8 to 10 months. Bottle-aging follows for at least 6 months. The wine is left unfi ltered to retain its subtle nuances of plum, black currant and cedar.