The wine, produced under the direction of the world-renowned enologist, Ezio Rivella, is predominantly Sangiovese blended with smaller amounts of Gamay and Syrah. It is characterized by an intense violet-red color and a full bouquet reminiscent of fresh grapes. The Gamay and Syrah were harvested early in September and the Sangiovese grapes about mid month. Santa Costanza was bottled in late October. Unlike its counterparts from France and northern Italy, which must be consumed within a relatively short period, the Banfi product has enough body to age well.
Past experience shows that it can serve as an elegant table wine for several years after bottling.
Rivella noted that this is the second consecutive year Castello Banfi has enjoyed a five-star vintage. He said that a late-start growing season was recovered by a warm summer. No one could be happier with Santa Costanza's timely arrival than Banfi's regular admirers. They note that just as France's Beaujolais Nouveau winemakers are about to introduce their 1998 vintage to U.S. consumers with traditional hoopla and fanfare, an Italian vintner will steal the show a week in advance with the debut of its version of the season's first offering.