Biondi Santi - Brunello di Montalcino - Riserva

Biondi Santi is a renowned producer of Brunello di Montalcino, a red wine made from the Sangiovese grape variety. The Riserva is the flagship wine of the estate, made only in exceptional vintages and aged for a minimum of six years before release. The history of Biondi Santi dates back to the mid-19th century, when Clemente Santi began experimenting with the Sangiovese grape in the Montalcino region of Tuscany. His grandson, Ferruccio Biondi Santi, is credited with creating the first Brunello di Montalcino in the late 1800s, using a selection of Sangiovese clones from his family's vineyards.

Today, Biondi Santi is still a family-owned estate, with Jacopo Biondi Santi at the helm. The estate's vineyards are located at high altitudes, with soils rich in limestone and clay. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in large oak vats, before being aged in Slavonian oak barrels for several years.

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the pinnacle of Biondi Santi's production. It is made only in exceptional vintages, when the grapes have reached optimal ripeness and the weather conditions have been ideal. The wine is aged for a minimum of six years, with at least two years in oak barrels and the rest in bottle. The result is a wine of great complexity and depth, with aromas of dark fruit, leather, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Biondi Santi's Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wine that rewards patience and cellaring. It can be enjoyed young, but will also age gracefully for decades, developing even more complexity and nuance over time. It is a wine that truly embodies the history and tradition of the Montalcino region, and is a must-try for any serious wine collector or enthusiast.