Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo 2001

Renowned for the outstanding ageing potential of its wines, Tenuta Greppo?–?‘Greppo’ stands for ‘steep escarpment’, a nod to the vines planted on the hillside?–?shot to fame at the end of the 19th century. At this time, the owner Clemente Santi witnessed one of his Sangiovese, a variety he had long studied and grown, be awarded a prize at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867. Two years on, his Brunello was awarded a gold medal at a local competition in Montepulciano.
Today, time flows as does wine, and the commendations haven’t dried up either. The 26-hectare estate captures the very essence of Sangiovese and masters the art of long ageing, in the purest local tradition. The wine matures between 12 (for the Rosso) and 36 months (for the Riserva) in Slavonian oak foudres (barrels ranging from 10 to 140 hectolitres). Further bottle ageing then refines the tannins of this unique grape variety. The wines exude remarkable elegance and finesse.

From an appellation that has known times of great success thanks to the domain that created it, this Brunello di Montalcino has turned out to be a fine, cellaring and gastronomic wine. Its ruby appearance makes way for a bouquet that takes time to unveil all its complexity. We find here varied notes of red fruit, flowers, tobacco and mint. The palate, noble and elegant, reveals a silky texture that will become yet more refined in time. It is best to be patient, as this wine will easily keep for 20-40 years in the cellar.