Brunello di Montalcino “Greppo” Riserva DOCG 2018

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

09942218 · 0,75 l · 878,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping9 units 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 seductive 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 and 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 is all about finesse, its strawberry, cherry, currant and floral flavors framed by a streak of flinty mineral and light spice notes. Not showy but delivers terrific harmony and a superlong aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Really pretty aromas of red cherries, cedar, flowers and flint. This has medium to full body, juicy fruit, fine tannins and a long, long finish. The texture is very impressive with ultrafine, velvety tannins. Caresses the palate, building at the end. Linear and structured. Very Biondi-Santi in its nature with the direct drive in the finish." James Suckling

"Deeper, darker and more sensual than the Annata, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva entices with a whiff of lavender and sage before giving way to dried cherry, cedar dust, worn leather and spice. It's surprisingly lifted and finessed, with a salty core of savory minerals to offset its ripe wild berry fruits. A jolt of stimulating acidity maintains harmony throughout. It finishes with admirable length and a saline character, leaving hints of licorice that fade slowly. Despite the growing season, the 2018 comes across as a classic in the making, showing the structure and balance required throughout to promote cellaring." Vinous

"The Biondi-Santi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva saw its fruit harvested after warm end-of-summer winds dried the fruit after rains. It resulted in fruit with extra pulp and thinner skins. This Riserva has a medium-plus body and delivers generous aromas of dark cherry, underbrush, potting soil and sweet spice. Its structure remains fine and the alcohol content is a very contained 13.3%. The wine is essentially elegant and fine with a slightly rounder or soft fruit profile that cedes to bright freshness and a long, polished finish." Wine Advocate