Legend suggests that Principessa Gavia, daughter of the King of the Franks, fell in love with a soldier and the two fled to northwest Italy to escape her disapproving father. The village and wine of Gavi are named after her. This refreshing wine shows herbs, mineral and grapefruit notes. A great sipper or aperitif, it will be a fine match for salads, seafood antipasti, or lighter fish dishes.

There's a rare depth and richness to this with dark plums and cherries as well as bark and forest-floor undertones. Full-bodied but not overpowering with chewy and polished tannins. Extremely persistent. Needs time to soften. Another great riserva like the 2016. Best after 2028. Score - 97. (jamessuckling.com, Dec. 12, 2024)

One of the most celebrated and long-lived of all wines, Brunello is a collector's dream. Founded in 1978, Banfi is a paragon of premium quality and style. This wine is always an authentic, complex, refined expression, with cherry, dark berry fruit, tobacco, and oak spice. Pair with sirloin steaks.

A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the Castello Banfi 2020 SummuS comes with a black label and a metal label appliqué. That fancy packaging leads to an elegant bouquet and soft fruit flavors, blackberry, baked plum and sweet spice. The tannins are resolved, and the wine shows lots of supple layering. That said, the wine is ready to drink now with an accessible personality. Drink date: 2025-2040. Score - 94. (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, Feb. 20, 2025)

Very classic nose here, with cedar wood, leather and restrained cassis, enhanced by assertive eucalyptus leaf. Full body with crisp acidity and woven, crunchy tannins. Long and savory aftertaste. Energy and refinement. Not without the structure for aging. Drink now [through mid-to-late 2030s+]. Score - 94. (jamessuckling.com, July 24, 2024)

Raspberry, cherry, currant and thyme flavors align with the succulent profile in this vivid red. Iron and tobacco notes add detail as this builds to the long, resonant finish, where dusty tannins reign. Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2028. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2024)

A polished red, sporting blackberry, boysenberry, pomegranate and almond flavors. Firms up on the moderately long finish, with a lightly chalky feel. Drink now through 2027. Score - 89. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2024)