Biondi-Santi
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Biondi-Santi: The Origin of Brunello, The Soul of Il Greppo
Biondi-Santi is the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino - the estate where this legendary Tuscan wine was first defined, refined, and elevated to global prestige. Situated on the historic Il Greppo estate, Biondi-Santi has shaped the identity of Brunello for more than 150 years, preserving a philosophy built on purity, longevity, and profound respect for Sangiovese’s most noble expression.
To speak of Brunello is to speak of Biondi-Santi. The style that emerged from this estate became the benchmark for the entire region: bright, structured, age-worthy, and uncompromising in its adherence to tradition.
A Legacy That Started an Entire Appellation
The story began in the late 19th century, when Ferruccio Biondi-Santi isolated a superior clone of Sangiovese - the "Sangiovese Grosso" or "Brunello" selection - and vinified it in a way that was radically different from the rustic reds of the era.
What followed is now part of Italian wine history: the first long-lived, pure-varietal Brunello.
Generations later, Franco Biondi-Santi further solidified the reputation of Il Greppo, producing some of the world`s most collectible and long-lived wines. Today, the estate continues to safeguard this heritage with meticulous vineyard management, long ageing in large Slavonian oak, and a stylistic clarity that never chases trends.
At Biondi-Santi, Brunello is a craft perfected over centuries.
The Il Greppo Estate: A Unique Microcosm of Montalcino
Il Greppo sits on the eastern slopes of Montalcino, at elevations between 300 and 500 meters.
This part of the region is known for:
- cooler temperatures, which preserve acidity
- constant winds, which guarantee healthy, balanced fruit
- galestro-rich soils, offering minerality and tension
- old Sangiovese massal selections, maintained through painstaking clonal preservation
The result is a style of Brunello distinct from the rest of the region: linear, aromatic, finely-structured, and built for remarkable ageing.
The Biondi-Santi Style - Precision, Purity, Longevity
Across Brunello, Riserva, and Rosso di Montalcino, the estate expresses a signature identity:
- red-fruited elegance - cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate
- floral lift - dried rose, violet
- refined structure - powdery, firm, long-grained tannins
- vibrant acidity - the backbone of Il Greppo
- mineral tension - iron, stone, subtle earth
- slow evolution in bottle - wines that unfold across decades
Biondi-Santi Brunello is about longevity, balance, and an almost architectural sense of clarity.
Riserva - The Icon Within the Icon
The Riserva represents the pinnacle of Biondi-Santi’s philosophy:
Only produced in truly exceptional vintages, sourced from the oldest vines on Il Greppo, and aged for more than three years in large Slavonian oak barrels.
These wines are known for extraordinary ageing potential - many bottlings from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s still show vitality today. In the world of fine wine, a Biondi-Santi Riserva is not just a bottle — it is a reference point.
A House of Tradition That Continues to Evolve
While the estate preserves its historical methods, recent years have brought renewed energy and precision to both vineyard and cellar. Small improvements - always in harmony with tradition, ensure that Biondi-Santi remains both faithful to its heritage and relevant in the modern world of fine wine.
The philosophy remains unchanged:
Only perfect fruit, only long ageing, only the purest expression of Brunello.
Key Wines of Biondi-Santi
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: Elegant, structured, and age-worthy — the archetype of classical Brunello.
- Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG: Produced only in outstanding years; one of the most collectible and historic wines of Italy.
- Rosso di Montalcino DOC: A younger, more approachable interpretation that still carries the Il Greppo signature.
Why Biondi-Santi Matters
- Because it is the estate that defined Brunello - and continues to set its standard.
- Because its wines stand outside fashion and market cycles.
- Because they are built not only to impress today, but to speak with clarity for decades.
Biondi-Santi is not merely a producer; it is a cornerstone of Italian wine culture.
