A look at Italian Wine Brands’ Tuscan range

Tuscany’s Barbanera Winery aims to create innovative wines which capture the soul of the region. db tastes through some of the range, including an "appealing" white expression of Sangiovese. Set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Barbanera Winery joined Italian Wine Brands (IWB), one of Europe’s largest wine groups, in 2023. Established by Altero and Maria Franceschini in 1938 in the picturesque town of Cetona, in the province of Siena, today the Barbanera estate is under the custodianship of sisters Sofia and Agnese. Under their leadership, the winery has continued to refine its wines, expand its global presence and implement sustainable practices that align with the evolving expectations of the modern wine industry. As part of this adaptation, Barbanera Winery has fully embraced sustainable viticulture and forward-thinking production practices. From soil management techniques that preserve biodiversity to energy-efficient production methods, sustainability is woven into every aspect of its operations. The winery has implemented ecofriendly vineyard management strategies, reducing its reliance on chemical pesticides and herbicides in favour of organic and regenerative agricultural techniques. Water conservation efforts and solar energy initiatives further reinforce Barbanera’s commitment to minimising its environmental footprint. Additionally, packaging optimisation has become a key focus for the winery, with lighter glass bottles and recycled materials playing an integral role in reducing waste and emissions.

Wine ranges

This spirit of innovation is also seen in the wines themselves. One such example is InBianco, part of Barbanera’s Celebration range – it is a single-varietal Sangiovese, but made as a white wine. This offers a reimagining of Tuscany’s signature grape, but in a different guise, though some of the varietal typicity of aromas, such as sour cherry, is still there, even if the colour is far removed from what one might expect to find with Sangiovese. In keeping with modern tastes, there is also Rirò Toscana Rosso IGT, which has been specifically made to be served chilled, or over ice, and used as a component in mixology, for example as the basis of a sangria-style long drink. Alessandro Mutinelli, CEO of IWB, says: “It’s an idea from the past, when people were used to drinking red wines with orange juice and other mixers.” However, while Barbanera is certainly not afraid to push the envelope, it has also made sure that it gets modern classics right. Its Gigino, which takes its name from Luigi Barbanera’s nickname, is a Super Tuscan made from a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. “Barbanera is very specialised towards the production of Super Tuscans,” says Mutinelli. “You get amazing quality at an approachable price.” IWB’s acquisition of Barbanera has enabled the estate to preserve its identity while also ploughing new furrows and showing how Tuscany can create wines for the modern drinker.

Tasting notes

InBianco Sangiovese 2024 Grape: Sangiovese ABV: 12.5% Medal: Gold Tasting note: "A delicate nose, but a ripe, oily palate with pineapple and pear, textural, rather than intensely fruity, with appealing mid-palate weight, then a finish that mixes bitter lemon with touch of fine phenolics. A lingering, refreshing, interesting wine. Sort of Pinot Gris-like." Patrick Schmitt MW   Rirò Rosso Toscana Grapes: a blend of red Tuscan varieties ABV: 12.5% Medal: Silver Tasting note: "Pale ruby. Gently sweet with some dried herbs and ripe jammy fruit, then firm tannins – a grippy edge with a lingering sweet cherry note. Refreshing and mouth-filling. grippy. Appealing, interesting and easy to drink." Patrick Schmitt MW

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