Biondi Santi - Tenuta Greppo - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - Annata 2018

The grapes for this Brunello come from the historic Tenuta Greppo, located on the hills southeast of Montalcino. The vineyards are located at an altitude of between 300 and 500 meters above sea level, which creates large temperature differences between day and night. This slows down the ripening and contributes to the freshness and complexity of the wine.

The soil in the vineyards consists mainly of galestro, a friable, calcareous claystone that drains water very well and forces the roots of the vines to dig deep. This contributes to the refined minerality and structure of the wine.

The harvest took place in early October 2018 and was carried out entirely by hand. Only the best grapes were selected to guarantee the purest expression of the Sangiovese Grosso grape.

After careful fermentation under controlled temperatures, the wine was matured according to the traditional Biondi-Santi method. This means a long maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels (botti), which allows the wine to develop slowly and in a balanced way without the dominance of wood influence.

Maturation: 36 months in large oak barrels plus an additional bottle maturation: of at least 6 months before release.

This traditional approach ensures that the wine's freshness, acidity and delicate aromas are optimally preserved, while the tannins are refined and the wine acquires great complexity and depth.

The Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a wine of exceptional class, with impressive aging potential. The perfect balance between fruit, acidity and refined tannins makes this wine a pleasure to drink now, but those who are patient will be rewarded with an even deeper layering in the next 20 to 30 years. A true icon in the world of Brunello di Montalcino.

96+/100 points Robert Parker

The Biondi-Santi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino brings us to a new chapter in the estate's history. This is the first vintage made entirely by the new team (under CEO Giampiero Bertolini and Technical Director Federico Radi) following the 2016 acquisition of Biondi-Santi by the Paris-based EPI holding company. It is no doubt an exciting vintage for them, and it also benefited from renewed oak casks and other important investments. (To date, about half the old wood has been replaced, and they continue to buy 5% to 10% new casks each year going forward.) The 2018 vintage saw above average rain and cooler conditions that led to slow-ripening. The wine is open-knit in texture and a little leaner in consistency, but it shows fresh acidity and pretty notes of violet, wild cherry and blood orange.

95/100 Points James Suckling

So floral on the nose with lavender and lilac coming through clearly. Cherries and peaches with an orange undertone. Medium-bodied with firm and silky tannins that are lightly chewy. Salty undertone to the fruit and hints of cedar and black truffle. Acid driven. Excellent energy. March 2024 release. Drink after 2025, but already delicious.