Barbanera Winery, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, officially became part of Italian Wine Brands (IWB), one of Europe’s largest wine groups, in 2023.
Founded in 1938 by Altero and Maria Franceschini in Cetona, Siena, Barbanera remains a family-run estate under the stewardship of sisters Sofia and Agnese Franceschini. Under their guidance, the winery has honed its winemaking expertise, expanded its international reach, and embraced sustainable practices aligned with the evolving demands of the contemporary wine industry.
Barbanera’s commitment to sustainability is reflected throughout its operations. The estate employs eco-friendly vineyard management, reducing chemical pesticide and herbicide use in favor of organic and regenerative agricultural techniques that promote biodiversity. Water conservation measures and solar energy initiatives further underline the winery’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint. Packaging innovations, including lighter glass bottles and recycled materials, contribute to waste reduction and lower carbon emissions.
The winery’s innovative approach extends to its wine portfolio. The Celebration range features InBianco, a single-varietal Sangiovese crafted as a white wine. This inventive reinterpretation retains the varietal’s characteristic sour cherry aroma while offering a striking departure from the typical red color associated with Sangiovese.
In response to contemporary consumer trends, Barbanera has introduced Rirò Toscana Rosso IGT, a red wine designed to be served chilled or over ice, suitable for mixology applications such as sangria-style cocktails. Alessandro Mutinelli, CEO of IWB, explains, “It’s an idea from the past, when people were used to drinking red wines with orange juice and other mixers.”
Despite its innovative edge, Barbanera also excels in classic Tuscan styles. Gigino, named after Luigi Barbanera’s nickname, is a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. Mutinelli highlights, “Barbanera is very specialized towards the production of Super Tuscans. You get amazing quality at an approachable price.”
The acquisition by IWB has allowed Barbanera to preserve its distinctive identity while exploring new avenues that demonstrate Tuscany’s capability to produce wines catering to the modern palate.
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