Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1995 Biondi Santi

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva di Biondi Santi: The Icon of Tuscany

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva by Biondi Santi is one of Italy’s most legendary wines, a symbol of elegance and longevity. Produced only in exceptional vintages, it represents the highest expression of Sangiovese Grosso, embodying the unmistakable style of the historic Biondi Santi winery, the family that gave birth to Brunello di Montalcino.

History and Philosophy

The story of Brunello di Montalcino begins with Ferruccio Biondi Santi, who, in the late 19th century, selected a particular clone of Sangiovese Grosso, establishing a tradition that would make this wine world-famous.

The Biondi Santi Riserva is the ultimate expression of this heritage: a wine produced exclusively in the best vintages and only from the finest vineyards of the Il Greppo estate, located on galestro-rich soils at an altitude ideal for perfect grape ripening.

Even today, the winery follows a philosophy focused on classic winemaking and elegance, avoiding passing trends and maintaining a vinification and aging process that ensures extraordinary longevity.

Grape Variety

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva by Biondi Santi is made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, sourced from selected vineyards of the Il Greppo estate, some of which are over 80 years old.

An altitude between 450 and 500 meters, optimal sun exposure, and galestro-clay soils give the wine its fine structure, vibrant acidity, and extraordinary aging potential.

Vinification and Aging

Vinification follows traditional methods with meticulous attention to preserving the purity of the fruit:

• Manual Harvest: Careful selection of the best grapes.

• Fermentation in Cement Tanks: Without selected yeasts, to maintain the authenticity of the terroir.

• Aging in Large Slavonian Oak Casks: For about 36 months, following the winery’s long-standing tradition.

• Extended Bottle Maturation: After bottling, the wine is aged further to ensure perfect evolution before release.

The Riserva is known for its incredible aging capacity, evolving into increasingly complex and refined aromas over the years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red, developing garnet hues with aging.

• Aroma: Elegant and layered bouquet, with notes of red cherry, wild berries, dried roses, and sweet spices, along with hints of tobacco, leather, and a refined minerality. As it ages, aromas of forest floor, truffle, and noble spices emerge.

• Palate: Structured yet elegant, with silky tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides great freshness. The finish is exceptionally long, balancing power and finesse.

Food Pairing

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva by Biondi Santi pairs beautifully with rich and structured dishes:

• Florentine steak

• Braised and slow-cooked meats

• Game dishes such as pheasant or venison

• Aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano

Serving Temperature

Serve at 16-18°C, with a 2-3 hour decanting period to allow the bouquet to fully express itself.

Alcohol Content

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has an alcohol content of 13-14%, perfectly balanced by its freshness and tannic structure.

Conclusion

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva by Biondi Santi is a true legend of Italian winemaking, a wine of extraordinary longevity, capable of evoking deep emotions and telling the story of one of the world’s most prestigious denominations. It is perfect for special occasions and connoisseurs who seek elegance and depth.

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Montalcino (Siena)

The Biondi Santi family is famous for having invented Brunello di Montalcino in the second half of the nineteenth century, one of the symbolic wines of Made in Italy. The story begins with Clemente Santi, who at the Tenuta Greppo vinified pure Sangiovese and in 1869 introduced the term “Brunello”. His nephew Ferruccio Biondi Santi produced the first bottle of Brunello in 1888 and created the brand by combining the surnames of his father and mother.

Upon Ferruccio’s death, his son Tancredi Biondi Santi took command until 1970, becoming a great innovator. In addition to improving the quality of the wine, he invented the refilling process, which consisted of checking and refilling the old Reserves to maintain their quality. Furthermore, in the 1960s, Tancredi wrote the rules for the denomination of Brunello, officially obtained in 1967. His Brunello Riserva 1955 was the only Italian wine to enter the list of the best wines of the 20th century, and was also served to the Queen Elizabeth II.