Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi

Recently, I interviewed Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi. Also I had the pleasure of meeting her in 2004 at the Philadelphia Wine Festival. She is an ambassador for the company. Cristina is behind the table pouring wine and conversing with people. Most people didn’t know who she was, I recognize her immediately from seeing her in Wine Enthusiast Magazine. We spoke briefly, but it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

I tell Cristina that I was planning a trip to Tuscany in May of that year. Of course, Castello Banfi is always part of the plans if you visit Tuscany. Scheduling dinner reservations at their top rated restaurant is a priority. I highly recommend the 5-course tasting menu paired with Banfi wines. Again as luck would have it, we met two really nice people from the U.S. sitting next to our table. To our surprise it is Cristina’s parents Pam and John Mariani! We met and took pictures with the owners of Banfi. Below, see the picture with Pam on the left and John on the right. John saw this statue of Albert Einstein in Bozeman, Montana. He was so inspired that he had one carved in Vincenza, Italy.

Bio of Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi

First, Cristina is as sweet and kind as a person can be. She is the CEO and president of Banfi. It is a global wine brand that includes the internationally renowned Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany! Also, Banfi Vintners is the leading U.S. importer from Long Island. In addition, they own the U.S. Northwest wine specialist called The Pacific Rim Company. It appears Cristina has a lot on her plate. Also, Banfi is one of the largest wine producers in Tuscany. Cristina has a personal mantra “a pursuit of excellence.” I believe she is already there. But, I am sure she disagrees with me.

In 2015, she was named one of “The Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink” by Fortune and Food & Wine magazines! In addition, Cristina was named “2018 Woman of the Year” by The Drinks Business. Also, she is happily married and a hands on mother of three. Actually, the family is American and from Long Island. Therefore, she divides her time between both places.

Family History

Castello Banfi is named after a relative named Teodolinda Banfi. She is the maternal aunt of Giovanni F. Mariani Sr. and the inspiration for the firm’s name. Teodolinda, adopted by the Ratti family of Milan, grew up alongside Cardinal Archbishop Achille Ratti who, in 1922, was elected Pope Pius XI. Governess for the Archbishop of Milan, she followed him to the Vatican. Also, Teodolinda wielded great authority, especially in the kitchen. In addition, she was an expert on wine. Therefore, it is thanks to Teolinda that her nephew Giovanni F. Mariani Sr. came into the world of fine wine and cuisine.

Giovanni F. Mariani, Sr.

Giovanni F. Mariani Sr. is the founder of Banfi Vintners. Now, it is America’s leading wine importer. He moved to Italy at the age of nine when his father passed away. It is during this period of his life that his aunt Teodolinda, head of household for Monsignor Ratti, transmitted her knowledge of wine.  That passion translated in 1919 to the birth of Banfi Vintners in New York City. Now, Americans have more opportunities to appreciate some of the best wines of Italy and France. In the 1960s, he left the firm to his sons. Giovanni found them to be good business partners. And, above all they are worthy successors to his life’s mission.

John Mariani, Jr.

John Mariani, Jr., son of founder Giovanni F. Mariani, graduated college and then pursued two years of viticultural studies in Europe. Upon his return to the U.S., he followed the path of this father. Together, with his brother Harry, they assumed control of the firm.  Thanks to his long term strategic vision, John became Chief Executive Officer.

Harry Mariani

Harry Mariani graduated college and started at Banfi Vintners in the late 1950s. He immediately began coordinating the firm’s administrative, commercial and marketing activity. Soon, Harry became the company’s president. For the next thirty years, he played a decisive role in the company’s development from a small family concern to America’s leading wine importer! In 1978, with his brother John, Harry gave life to the greatest project ever realized for quality wine production in Italy, Castello Banfi in Montalcino!

Cristina Mariani-May

It is my pleasure to introduce to you Cristina Mariani-May, CEO and President of Banfi Vinters. After college, she enters into the company at a young age in the early 1990s. And, Cristina’s many activities include the initiatives she created. The most significant and meaningful is the creation of a system of tracking and monitoring. This system results in Banfi’s being the first winery in the world to be awarded international recognition for exceptional environmental, ethical and social responsibility. In addition, they are rewarded with being the international leader in customer satisfaction.  This recognition underlines her long term strategic vision.

Other Accomplishments by Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi

Cristina created the tracking and monitoring systems. They are designed to elevate performance. In addition, they establish news goals in the fields of customer satisfaction and environmental and social responsibility. Also, she conducts ground-breaking research aimed at defining and isolating the finest clones of the sangiovese grosso grape. This is the grape that makes Brunello. Today, Banfi has defintive results for six clones. What’s really cool is that Banfi shares their results. Also, they registered them in 1996 with the European community!

Also, enterprise and experimentation factor into Cristina’s leadership. She created innovative hybrid fermentation tanks. Think steel on the top and bottom and wood in the middle of the tank. Wow!

Sustainability

Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi firmly believes in the sustainability as a comprehensive concept that involves all stages of the production chain, adopting a cross strategy and a well-defined strategic plan. The deeply-held trust that success needs to strictly follow the respect to the environment and to people’s wellness. Not wasting any time, Cristina creates a “bio-” system which detoxifies waste water resulting in water savings of almost 80%! Also, she switches to lightweight glass bottles that reduce the carbon footprint. Her goal is to create the best quality wines with the earth in mind.

In addition, Cristina travels extensively. She is an engaging and charismatic speaker. She is a natural ambassador for her company, just as she was when I met met in 2004. Also, she is working on a project close to her heart. She is supervising the development of Castello Banfi called Il Borgo, a luxury 14 room hotel next to the castle.

Q&A With Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi

First, it is an extreme pleasure when dealing with Cristina. She is a delightful person. I ask Cristina about her relatives involved in making Banfi what it is today. She replies, “My father is John Mariani, Chairman Emeritus. Unfortunately, my Uncle Harry is not with us anymore.” Then, I ask what made your father and uncle get into the wine business? Cristina said, “My father inherited a small importing company from his father. The original company was founded 100 years ago in 1919 in Greenwich Village, NY.” Also, she adds, “My great aunt Teodolinda Banfi became head of the household for Pope Pius XI. She was the first female non-clergy to live in the Vatican and be buried there.” Cool huh?

Banfi Wineries

Next I ask Cristina how many wineries does Banfi own? She replies, “Several but our pride and joy is Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Tuscany. The others are Banfi Piedmont, Banfi Chianti Classico and Banfi Bolgheri.” Then, I ask her what some of the signature wines are. She says, “Rosa Regale from Piedmont (sparkling red made from brachetto grapes), Banfi Principessa Gavi, Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva and Aska Bolgheri IGT Toscana (Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend).”

Cristina’s Favorite Banfi Wine

What is your favorite wine that you produce? She replies, “Right now my favorite is La Pettegola Vermentino Toscana IGT. It is a white coastal wine that is fresh and full of tropical fruit. It is a perfect blend between chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.” I ask how it compares to vermentino from Sardegna and Cristina says, “Our Pettegola is very ripe and round but does have a slight hint of grapefruit and citrus which those of Sardegna have less of. The name Pettegola refers to the seagulls from the coast. Also, it is a word Italians use to describe Tuscan women who sit around the square and chit chat. They sound like the birds! Cool!” Then, she adds laughingly, “The wine is fresh and feminine, but bold in length and character. Like a strong Tuscan mama!”

Favorite Pairing and Dessert Wines

What is your favorite food and wine pairing? Cristina tells me, “Castello Banfi Brunello with a simple grilled steak with lots of salt. It’s simple and pure to allow the cherry, violet and chestnut flavors of the wine to merge with the earthy flavors of the meat.” I ask her which wines are some of her favorites. She replies, “Castello Banfi prides itself on its sustainable agriculture and natural wines such as Brunello, San Angelo pinot grigio, and Centine Rosso IGT.” Next I ask if Banfi makes dessert wines and Cristina says, “We make two beautiful ones, Rosa Regale and Florus. The second is Moscadello di Montalcino. It is a late harvest sweet wine that is historic from the region. It is mentioned in Dante’s Inferno as the sweet honey wine from Montalcino.”

Banfi Hospitality

Then, I ask Cristina if Banfi offers tours, tastings, cooking classes, wine dinners and lodging. She says, “Yes! Hospitality is key. We pride ourselves on the Ultimate Tuscan Experience. Travel & Leisure just ranked us in the top 10 of all resort hotels in Italy. ” What are your favorite wines other than your own? Cristina replies, “Right now it’s vermentino from all over to explore. Also, I love Amarone and Pacific northwest wines such as riesling and chenin blanc. Finally, I ask what Banfi is doing to create recognition of their wines in the U.S. She replies, “Education and experiences are key. Also, we provide a lot of scholarships so students can travel to Italy. We want them to learn and spread the word. And, we are working on some labels with Italian regulations when wines are blended.”

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