Biondi Santi Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 75cl

Biondi-Santi’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is only made in the very best vintages from vines that are at least 25 years old, but some are closer to being octogenarians. Aged in Slavonian oak casks for 36 months, this is a wine built to last. Biondi-Santi claim that it can mature for over 100 years, but who is going to put that to the test? No Riserva was made in 2011 and the 2012 was held back, so in the meantime the estate decided to release some rare older vintages, such as this 2006. Over 13 years since the vintage, it’s still youthful and elegant. Brimming with wild strawberries, cherries, spices, cola, dark chocolate, orange zest, beach pebbles, balsamic, barbeque smoke, leather, cedar and just a touch of menthol; it’s very much one of those wines to try before you die.

A truly historic name of Montalcino, the Biondi-Santi family is one of the most revered winemaking dynasties in Italy. The Greppo vineyards have been in the family since 1800s. Currently supervising around 26 hectares of vines, the estate is renowned for its classic, ethereal and long-lived traditional style of Brunello. In fact, many people regard Biondi-Santi as being the inventors of Brunello di Montalcino as we know it today.

In 2016 the fabled estate sold the majority of its shares to EPI, Christopher Descours’ fashion-led luxury group that also owns Charles Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck, JM Weston, Alain Figaret and Bonpoint. Jacopo Biondi-Santi and his son Tancredi remain actively involved, but now with much more financial investment. Purest will however be collecting the older vintages.