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Winery: Tenuta Biondi Santi

Country / Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino

Date Winery was established: 1865

Grape Variety: Sangiovese

Alcohol Content / Volume: 13.5% / 750ml

First Vintage Released: 1869

Ratings: 94 (Robert Parker) / 93 pts (Wine Spectator) / 93 pts (James Suckling)

Good To Know: Tenuta Biondi Santi is synonymous with Brunello di Montalcino to the level that it has some very legitimate claims as being the creator of the appellation itself! The main estate, Tenuta Greppo, where the cellar and the main vineyards are located, lies at an altitude of 564 meters (1,850 feet) above sea level and is the location of its oldest vines meant solely for its "Riserva" wines.

The 2001 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva Brunello di Montalcino's nose begins with exquisite aromatic notes of red fruits, floral hints and sweet baking spice. Red cherry, cranberry compote, anise and rose all meld together in a tapestry of scents. The palate confirms the wine's bouquet with the addition of mint and cedar. Tannins are silky and persistent on the long and generous finish. The wine is truly a great start for the early 2000's vintages and has shown how a great Sangiovese from the Brunello di Montalcino appellation can truly age.

Established in 1869 by Clemente Santi, Tenuta Biondi Santi has become the most iconic name when it comes to Brunello di Montalcino. It was actually in 1865 however when they started experimenting with Sangiovese in their Il Greppo plot and coined the term "Brunello" in reference to the color of their first bottling. Since then, both the winery and the appellation have grown in prestige and world renown. The Biondi Santi winery today is under the ownership of French luxury holding, EPI. Which is primarily owned by Christopher Descours, who is also the proprietor of Champagne Maisons Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, in addition to Chateau la Verrerie in Luberon.