Castello Banfi’s second Rosso is the 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura, which represents a selection of fruit from the vineyards below the castle. The wine is a symbolic commitment to the growing potential of this entry-level category of the appellation. It offers greater concentration and density, resulting in a solid mid-weight textural approach. The bouquet is redolent of dried cherry, rose and sweet potting soil. Some 53,000 bottles were made.

The Castello Banfi 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura is bright and punchy with a clean and transparent quality of fruit. It opens to cherry, raspberry, violet and lilac. This entry-level wine offers lots of easy-drinking life and energy.

This is one of the few single-vineyard Rossos from Montalcino. The Castello Banfi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino Poggio Alle Mura sees fruit sourced from the sites at the front and bottom of the Banfi castle. This is a steady and fruit-forward expression with ripe tones of wild cherry and dried raspberry, all backed by hints of licorice and bitter almond. The wine's freshness hits the spot, and that medium-bodied build would pair with pizza or lasagna with melted mozzarella cheese on top. Some 50,000 bottles were made.

The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino Poggio Alle Mura delivers dark fruit aromas that are surrounded by plush spice, tobacco and leather. There is a note of sweet cherry sweetness here or candied fruit that reminds you of the scorching hot and dry summers days Tuscany saw in 2017. In fact, you can feel some of that dryness in the dusty quality of the tannins.

This is a terrific wine to bring to outdoor grilling parties or to serve in the kitchen while you are preparing a fun family meal. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Poggio Alle Mura exudes conviviality and brightness, with a truly beautiful quality of Sangiovese fruit that shines through with brilliance. Dark cherry and blueberry give the wine immense informal appeal. Some 50,000 bottles were produced.