Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage: 2017
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | BS401B17 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Contact Us |
| 2017 | BS401M17 | 1 x 150 | Natural Cork | Contact Us |
Producer
Founders of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, Biondi-Santi produced the first Brunello in history in 1888 at the hands of Ferruccio Biondi Santi. Since then, this fabled estate has ensured the excellency of its wines, known for their extreme longevity, through seven generations.
The 150-hectare property, which neighbours Costanti’s estate, comprises 32 hectares of vineyard split over five sites. Tenuta Greppo, at 500 metres above sea level, is where the historical winery and estate villa are situated and where the oldest plot, planted in 1936, is to be found. The other vineyard sites, Scarnacuoia, Pievecchia, I Pieri and Ribusuoli, are located respectively to the west, north, east and south-east of the town of Montalcino, all preserving a predominantly eastern exposition and high elevations. They are instrumental in preserving Biondi-Santi’s signature style, driven by elegance, fresh acidity and moderate alcohol. The oldest vineyards, aged over 25 years old, are the source of grapes for Biondi-Santi’s Riserva, while the 10 to 25-year-old vineyards are used for the Brunello di Montalcino and those younger than 10 years are used for the Rosso di Montalcino.
While the Brunello di Montalcino is fermented in concrete tanks, the Riserva is vinified in oak ‘tini’ (large conical wooden vats). Both are aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks prior to bottling. The Brunello exhibits crunchy red fruits, an elegant, balsamic freshness, typical of Biondi-Santi and a structure of impeccable balance. Thanks to relatively cool summers the vines usually benefit from a long ripening season. The resulting Brunello is “Pure Verve” in the words of head winemaker Federico Radi. The Riserva shows all the elegance and tightly knit texture characteristic of the finest Biondi-Santi wines, where tannins and bright acidity go hand in hand alongside the concentrated and rich palate.
The gateway into the Biondi-Santi universe passes through the Rosso di Montalcino, a true standout in its category. Aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks, the resulting wine offers brilliant fruit and is perfect for enjoying young, while preserving the typical Biondi-Santi depth and character.
Today Biondi-Santi is owned by Christopher Descours, of Charles Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck, Rare Champagne and Château La Verrerie. He has entrusted the leadership of this famed estate to Tuscan-born Giampiero Bertolini and head winemaker Federico Radi. Together they aim to bring the heritage of this iconic winery into the future, exploring new peaks of excellence while preserving the estate's historic style and vision.
Vineyards
Biondi-Santi own 26 hectares of vineyard split over four sites. The oldest of these plots – planted in 1930s - is “Il Greppo”, a 14-hectare vineyard located to the south of Montalcino at 550-564 metres above sea level. Vines here are planted in an amphitheatre shape on galestro soiled terraces. The four-hectare vineyard near the village of Pievecchia, north of Montalcino, was planted in 1970 on clay-rich soils, at an altitude of 250 metres above sea level. The third plot is Pieri, to the east of Montalcino, a seven–hectare vineyard planted in 1989 on poor soils with abundance of galestro and limestone, at 400–450 metres above sea level. The most recent vineyard – planted in 1999 – is the western facing one-hectare vineyard in Scarnacuoia, west of Montalcino, situated at 450 metres above sea level. This wine is made from a selection of Sangiovese Grosso vines aged between 10 and 25, from a massale selection of Biondi Santi’s proprietary cloned BBS11.
Vintage
2017 was characterized by the absence of rain. A late frost in late spring was followed by a few downpours. The weather remained mild until the end of May which saw a significant rise in temperatures, above the seasonal average. The summer was very hot and dry. Harvest began on September 11th.
Vinification
The hand-harvested grapes underwent a five-step selection process: they were selected three times in the vineyards, then on the selection table and optical reader once at the winery. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks and vertical oak vats, at controlled temperatures. The wine was aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 36 months before bottling. It was then kept in bottle for another year before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
In the glass, this wine has an intense ruby red colour. It opens with a graceful nose focusing on citrus peel with nuances of withered rose, spice and fresh red fruits. Balanced and delicate, on the palate, it delights with cherry flavours and red berry notes. Structured tannins and depth continue through to a long finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5.18 g/l
Residual Sugar
0.5 g/l
pH
3.51
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biondi-Santi | Brunello di Montalcino Riserva | BS402 | R | Factsheet | |
| Rosso di Montalcino | BS403 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello Riserva `La Verticale` (2013, 2012, 2008) | BS408 | R |