Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Greppo Riserva 2018

Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Greppo Riserva 2018 is a benchmark Tuscan red from the estate that essentially defined Brunello as the world knows it today. Crafted only in outstanding vintages from the oldest Sangiovese Grosso vines at Il Greppo, this Riserva is built for longevity, precision and elegance rather than sheer power. The 2018 continues the estate’s classic, understated style, connecting over a century of history with a distinctly refined, modern expression.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Greppo Riserva shows a luminous, medium-deep ruby hue with garnet highlights at the rim, reflecting its traditional, ageworthy style rather than an over-extracted profile. The nose is detailed and layered: wild red cherry, blood orange peel and sour plum are intertwined with dried rose petals, violet, thyme, tobacco leaf, cedar shavings and a whisper of leather and underbrush, all framed by fine, savoury minerality. On the palate, this is taut, vertical and focused, with vibrant acidity and finely etched tannins that carry the wine in a long, persistent arc. Flavours of red cherry, cranberry and pomegranate are supported by notes of sweet spice, anise, dried herbs and a subtle, saline edge that speaks of the Greppo hillside. The texture is elegant rather than opulent, with superb balance and energy. While already complex, this Riserva is structured for the long haul and will evolve beautifully over 20–30 years or more in a good cellar, gaining tertiary nuances of truffle, leather and forest floor.

Production
Il Greppo’s vineyards lie on Montalcino’s cooler, higher-elevation slopes, rooted in a mix of galestro (marl), limestone and stony soils that naturally limit yields and enhance aromatic finesse. The Sangiovese Grosso (often referred to locally as Brunello) is sourced from some of the estate’s oldest parcels, and harvest is carried out by hand, with strict selection in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy bunches make it into the Riserva. Fermentation is traditionally conducted in concrete or stainless steel with extended maceration to extract fine tannins rather than overt richness. The wine is then aged for several years in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks (botti), a signature of Biondi Santi’s style, preserving purity of fruit, terroir expression and classical structure before a further period of bottle ageing prior to release.

Food & Serving
This Brunello Riserva is a natural partner for refined, savoury dishes: think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary, roasted game birds, or rich ragù over pappardelle. It also pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle-infused dishes, where its acidity and structure cut through richness and enhance umami. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Bordeaux stems to allow the aromas to unfurl. Decant gently for 1–2 hours in youth to soften the tannins and awaken the bouquet; older bottles should be decanted briefly and carefully, mainly to remove sediment.

Producer
Biondi Santi is one of Italy’s most storied estates, credited with the creation and codification of Brunello di Montalcino in the late 19th century under Ferruccio Biondi Santi and later his descendants. From the Il Greppo estate, the family established the model for long-lived, 100% Sangiovese wines aged in large Slavonian oak casks, a style that continues to define classic Brunello. Biondi Santi has long been a reference point in Tuscany, known for its unwavering commitment to low yields, traditional methods and ageworthy, aristocratic wines. The Greppo Riserva, produced only in select vintages, is the estate’s flagship and one of Italy’s most sought-after and collectible reds, consistently recognised by critics and collectors as a benchmark for finesse, longevity and authenticity in Brunello di Montalcino.

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