October 25, 2010 - In Special Celebration of "Six Producers Who Changed the Course of History for Italian Wines"

Castello Banfi and the Mariani family were honored at a private reception and dinner celebrating "Six Producers Who Changed the Course of History for Italian Wines". The event formed the concluding highlight of "Vinitaly Day" at Eataly, the new Italian culinary complex launched by Chef Mario Batali, together with fellow restaurateurs and business partners, Joe and Lidia Bastianich, earlier this fall.The evening spectacular, which also marked the 150th anniversary of the Italian Republic, was hosted by Vinitaly, an organization dedicated to the worldwide promotion of Italian wines.

Proceeds raised at the dinner and as a result of the consumer tasting of 200 top Italian wines that preceded it were donated to the American Cancer Society.A veritable Who's Who of the Italian wine world and top U.S. press were out in force for this stellar event.

Castello Banfi was in excellent company: in addition to Castello Banfi, the five other wine producers honored comprised Antinori, Masi, Pio Cesare, Santa Margarita and Zonin. Each producer was charged with selecting a single wine pairing to showcase at the dinner.

Cristina Mariani-May on behalf of Castello Banfi and the Mariani family elected to present the new 2004 vintage single-vineyard Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino. Produced uniquely in the finest vintages, the recent release of the 2004 vintage Poggio all'Oro coincided with the award of a highly coveted Tre Bicchieri designation from Gambero Rosso, Italy's foremost wine publication.

Each of the six producers honored was invited to extend an invitation to a couple of special guests. Ms. Mariani-May was joined for the evening by restaurateur Tony May of SD26, New York and Roberta Morrell of Morrell & Co., a leading NYC-based retailer of fine wines.

"I was so proud to represent my family at this special occasion and to see our contributions to the Italian wine world recognized in such a way by the organizers of Vinitaly. I always appreciate the opportunity to share time and enjoy fine wine on either side of the Atlantic with my fellow wine producers and wine industry friends." 

Cristina Mariani-May, Family Proprietor, Castello Banfi

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