Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaklarge or old casks

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2016: best 2026 to 2056.
vintage10 yrs40 yrs42 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2021201697/100
Vinous reviewed 2021201697/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: dried cherry, rose petal, tea leaf, tobacco

Palate: red plum, iron, balsamic, wild herbs

The founding Brunello, traditionally styled in Slavonian botti from the Greppo estate's Sangiovese Grosso vines.

What it pairs with

  • Florentine peposo
    Slow-cooked beef in pepper finds Brunello's spice register.
  • Aged Pecorino di Pienza
    Crystalline sheep's-milk cheese sharpens dried-cherry notes.
  • Bistecca alla fiorentina Find bistecca alla fiorentina on TableJourney →
    T-bone classic with old-school Brunello structure.

How to serve Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Florentine peposo, Aged Pecorino di Pienza, Bistecca alla fiorentina. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Ferruccio Biondi-Santi bottled the first vintage labelled Brunello di Montalcino in 1888 from the Greppo estate, isolating Sangiovese Grosso for solo bottling. EPI Group acquired the estate in 2017.

  1. 1888: First vintage of Brunello di Montalcino
  2. 1980: Brunello becomes the first DOCG in Italy
  3. 2017: EPI Group acquires the estate

Facts

Producer
Biondi-Santi · visiting guide
Grapes
Sangiovese Grosso (100%)
Classification
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Oak
36 months in large Slavonian oak casks
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 180 to 350 at retail
Drinking window
10 to 40 from vintage
First vintage
1888

Frequently asked about Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino

What does Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino taste like?

On the nose, dried cherry, rose petal, tea leaf, tobacco. On the palate, red plum, iron, balsamic, wild herbs. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. The founding Brunello, traditionally styled in Slavonian botti from the Greppo estate's Sangiovese Grosso vines.

When should I drink Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino?

Drink 10 to 40 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino?

Florentine peposo is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Aged Pecorino di Pienza and Bistecca alla fiorentina. Slow-cooked beef in pepper finds Brunello's spice register.

What grapes are in Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino?

The blend is Sangiovese Grosso (100%). The wine is classified as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.

Tags

cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic library release mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion special old vines old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat price fine sangiovese grosso still red

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