Brunello di Montalcino “Greppo” Riserva DOCG 2018 · 3 bottles in OWC

Tenuta Greppo di Jacopo Biondi Santi | Tuscany
Franco Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo | Villa Greppo 183 | IT 53024 Montalcino

09942518 · 0,75 l · 2.649,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping1 unit available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

Since 1888, when Ferruccio Biondi Santi bottled the very first bottle of "Brunello di Montalcino", this name has been inextricably linked with the birth of a legend. The Riserva – produced only 43 times in 137 years – embodies not just a wine, but a philosophy: the conviction that Sangiovese Grosso, in the hands of patience, precision and uncompromising tradition, can become one of the world's longest-lived growths. The 2018 vintage marks a special moment: it is the first Riserva under the new era, led by CEO Giampiero Bertolini and Technical Director Federico Radi, who have been continuing the legacy with the credo "evolution, not revolution" since 2017.

Federico Radi raves about the "balletic nature" of the 2018 vintage – everything here is delicacy and elegance, with remarkably fine tannins. The grapes come exclusively from the oldest plots at Tenuta Greppo, vines over 25 years old whose roots are deeply embedded in the nutrient-poor Galestro slate soils – the mineral signature that Tancredi Biondi Santi describes as the "main characteristic". The vinification follows tradition with almost religious devotion: separate fermentation in different formats – slavonian oak, concrete, steel – using only indigenous yeasts from our own vineyards. The wine rests for 36 months in large Slavonian barrels, some of which date back to the 1880s, before a further two years of ageing in the bottle. The result is kept in the inner sanctum of the cellar: "La Storica", the dark, hidden room where every single Riserva has been stored since 1888 – a literally priceless library of Brunello.

Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured nuances. The nose opens with extraordinary complexity: black berries, pomegranate and plums mingle with Mediterranean herbs – thyme, rosemary and sage – over a carpet of forest floor. Wild Tuscan cherries, plump raspberries, a hint of blood orange and wilted roses combine to create a bouquet that hovers between youthful freshness and the beginnings of evolution. More spicy, autumnal notes unfold on contact with the air: Leather, tobacco, a hint of iron and flint – the mineral signature that makes Biondi Santi unmistakable. On the palate, the wine is enchanting with its lush charm and flattering sweetness. The youthful tannins reveal immense structure and create that distinctive freshness that leads to a long, savoury finish. The acidity is brilliant, electrifying, dynamic – a factor that predicts decades of development for this wine. Infinitely long and gently fading, with a high finish on the palate, delicacy is paired with incredible dynamism. The 43rd Riserva in history – and a worthy ambassador of eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cool, rainy year in summer. We were concerned about ripeness, so we postponed the harvest by 10 days. You can feel the cooler year directly on the nose, it is less intense, but more nuanced, also more sublime with earthy, spicy notes, bright cherries, redcurrants and herbal nuances, laurel, sweet tobacco, plus freshly polished leather and earthy, mineral and floral hints such as violets and roses. Elegant and delicate in the mouth with many nuances, but still quite grippy with fine race and nerve, the fine tannin radiates noblesse. Although still very much characterised by the cool vintage, it is already very complex. Pure understatement." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Initially fragrant precious wood on the nose, rich cherry fruit, some smoke, almond flakes, leather. Open-hearted and accessible structure on the palate, slight hints of white pepper, bay leaf, long and precise finish." Falstaff

"This red wine is all about finesse: Strawberry, cherry, redcurrant and floral aromas, framed by a hint of flint and light spicy notes. It is not flashy, but offers great harmony and a very long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Really lovely flavours of red cherries, cedar, flowers and flint. It has a medium to full body, juicy fruit, fine tannins and a long, long finish. The texture is very impressive with ultra-fine, velvety tannins. It caresses the palate and builds on the finish. Straightforward and structured. Very Biondi-Santi in its nature with a direct drive on the finish." James Suckling

"Deeper, darker and more sensual than the Annata, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva seduces with hints of lavender and sage before giving way to dried cherries, cedar dust, worn leather and spice. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is surprisingly full-bodied and refined, with a salty core of savoury minerals balancing the ripe wild berries. A stimulating splash of acidity provides harmony. It finishes with admirable length and a savoury character that leaves a hint of liquorice that slowly fades. Despite the long growing season, the 2018 is a classic that has the necessary structure and balance to allow for long ageing." Vinous

"The Biondi-Santi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva was harvested after warm winds at the end of the summer had dried the fruit after the rains. This resulted in a fruit with more flesh and thinner skins. This Riserva has a medium body and offers generous flavours of dark cherries, undergrowth, floral earth and sweet spices. Its structure remains fine and the alcohol content is a very moderate 13.3%. The wine is essentially elegant and fine with a slightly rounder or soft fruit profile that fades into a bright freshness and a long, polished finish." Wine Advocate