Biondi Santi - Brunello di Montalcino - Riserva

98 points - The Wine Advocate
98 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
96 points - The Wine Advocate
Biondi Santi - Brunello di Montalcino - Riserva - 2015 - 75cl - Onshore Cellars

Biondi Santi - Brunello di Montalcino - Riserva

98 points - The Wine Advocate
98 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
96 points - The Wine Advocate
Vintage
Size
Regular price £549.00
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The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum.
The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it's worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruney chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution.
You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: "Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi." Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the "gentleman of Montalcino." Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore's magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. That extreme focus is an achievement of this estate alone located in the celebrated Il Greppo property. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet colour, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, liquorice, anise seed, cola, and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage.
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is slow to open, and I spent a good amount of extra time with this wine as a result. It was well worth the wait. The intensity inches up in baby steps. With time, the wine is splendent and focused with a very direct and impactful delivery of aromas. It also shows a specifically floral personality with dried rose petal or blue violet that I did not recognize in most of the other Brunellos from this classic vintage. There is power and determination behind those feminine aromas. The wine makes a lasting impression in the mouth, thanks to the textual tightness of its tannins and the refreshing crispness of the acidity. The Riserva sees fruit sourced from Il Greppo's oldest vines (25-years-old and more) and the wine ages in traditional oak casks for three years.
Type:
Red
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
Appellation:
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Producer:
Biondi Santi
Grapes/Blend:
Sangiovese
Serving temp:
16° - 18° C
ABV:
13.5%
Pairing Sugesstions:
Game Birds, Lamb, Beef, Venison, Mushrooms, Aged Cheeses

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Behind the bottle

Biondi Santi - Onshore Cellars

Biondi Santi

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo is a renowned wine producer located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The winery has a rich history dating back to the 19th century...

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo is a renowned wine producer located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The winery has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when Clemente Santi, the great-grandfather of the current owner, created the first Brunello di Montalcino. The winery is now run by Jacopo Biondi Santi, who has continued the family tradition of producing exceptional wines.

The winery is located in the Montalcino region, which is known for its unique terroir and ideal climate for growing Sangiovese grapes. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 400-500 meters above sea level, which provides the perfect conditions for the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo produces a range of wines, including Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, and Sant'Antimo. The Brunello di Montalcino is the flagship wine of the winery and is considered one of the best wines in the world. It is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and is aged for at least five years in oak barrels before being released. The wine has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of red fruits, spices, and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish.

The Rosso di Montalcino is a younger wine that is aged for only one year in oak barrels. It is made from the same Sangiovese grapes as the Brunello di Montalcino but is more approachable and easy to drink. It has a bright ruby color and a fruity aroma with hints of cherry and raspberry. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth finish.

The Sant'Antimo is a newer wine that was introduced in 1996. It is made from a blend of Sangiovese and other grape varieties and is aged for at least one year in oak barrels. It has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of red fruits, spices, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Montalcino region. The winery uses traditional winemaking techniques, including hand-harvesting and aging the wines in oak barrels. The result is wines that are elegant, complex, and age-worthy.

In conclusion, Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo is a world-renowned wine producer that has a rich history and a commitment to producing exceptional wines. The winery's Brunello di Montalcino is considered one of the best wines in the world, and its other wines are also highly regarded. If you are looking for a wine that reflects the unique terroir of Tuscany, Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo is a great choice.

Biondi Santi
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Tuscany

Italy's most ancient wine region, Tuscany may not be a heavyweight in terms of quantity, but as the home of two of the country's most famous...
Italy's most ancient wine region, Tuscany may not be a heavyweight in terms of quantity, but as the home of two of the country's most famous fine wines – Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino – it certainly holds its own in terms of quality. Tuscany's climate ranges from Mediterranean on the coast to continental deep in the Apennines. More than two thirds of the province is covered with hills, an important terroir factor in its fine wines.
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Brunello-di-Montalcino - Onshore Cellars

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, which are grown in the hills surrounding...

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, which are grown in the hills surrounding the town of Montalcino. The wine is known for its rich, complex flavors and aromas, as well as its ability to age for many years.

The history of Brunello di Montalcino dates back to the 14th century, when the Sangiovese grape was first planted in the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that the wine began to gain recognition outside of the local area. In 1888, the first Brunello di Montalcino was bottled by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, a local winemaker who is credited with creating the modern style of the wine.

Today, Brunello di Montalcino is produced by a number of different wineries in the region, each with their own unique style and approach. Some of the most well-known producers include Biondi-Santi, Il Poggione, and Banfi.

The production process for Brunello di Montalcino is highly regulated, with strict rules governing everything from the grape varieties used to the aging process. The grapes must be harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks before being aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years. After this initial aging period, the wine is then aged in the bottle for an additional four months before being released for sale.

The resulting wine is a deep ruby red color, with aromas of red fruit, leather, and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied and complex, with flavors of cherry, plum, and spice. The tannins are firm and well-structured, giving the wine a long, lingering finish.

Overall, Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its rich history, complex flavors, and ability to age for many years make it a true gem of the Italian wine world.

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