The prestige of Brunello del Greppo dates back to the 19th Century with the story of Clemente Santi who began making wine using 100% Sangiovese. He passed on his wine knowledge to his nephew Ferruccio Biondi Santi, who, after the phyloxera in the second half of the 1800s, isolated a clone of Sangiovese that gave birth to wines of extraordinary longevity. In 1888, Ferruccio produced the first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino from this clone.

The entire estate includes 47 hectares of land, but only 25 hectares are dedicated to plantings of Sangiovese Grosso. The oldest vines, totaling 5 hectares, date from 1930-1970. Only the best grapes are destined to the production of Biondi Santi Brunello - those from vineyards at least ten years old are for the Annata, and those at least twenty-five years old for the Riserva. Marled soils with heavy stones have been always preferred by the family with southern, southeastern, eastern, northeastern and northern exposure. The yield per hectare is kept low at 3-5 tons per hectare. Current production rarely exceeds 80,000 bottles, including about 10,000 bottles of Riserva made only during exceptional harvests.

Franco Biondi Santi, oenologist, learned the subtle art of vinification from his father, and has continued to run the Greppo Estate, with its unequalled collection of Reserve bottles. He has increased the production of Brunello del Greppo from the 4 hectares cultivated until his father’s death, to the current 25.

The future continuity of Greppo is represented by Franco’s two children: Jacopo, with his vivid imagination in relation to wines (firmly convinced of the typical character of Brunello del Greppo), and Alessandra (involved in promoting the estate).

The 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a remarkable wine that showcases the excellence of Sangiovese Grosso grapes from the iconic region of Tuscany, Italy. With a deep red color that hints at its complexity and depth, this wine is a true gem for any wine enthusiast.

On the nose, the 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers a captivating bouquet of dried berries, forest floor, and spice aromas. As the wine warms in the glass, these aromas intensify, creating a sensory experience that is both elegant and enticing. It is a testament to the aging potential of Il Greppo's Riservas, as this under-the-radar vintage has blossomed into a true beauty.

With a mid-weight concentration and a firm, taut acidity, this wine hits the palate with immediate brilliance and sparkle. It showcases a perfect balance between power and finesse, revealing flavors of cherry, licorice, and tobacco that persist on the palate. Although it may lack the sheer power of vintages like 2001 or 1997, it makes up for it with its finesse and filigree.

The 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 97 points, describing it as a true beauty that is at its drinking prime right now. Wine Spectator also gave it a score of 94, highlighting its beautiful perfume, elegance, and persistent flavors.

This wine, with its 13.5% alcohol content, is sealed with a classic cork closure, which further adds to its authenticity and allure. It is a wine that demands attention and is perfect for special occasions or for those seeking a truly exceptional experience. With only 867 cases made, the 1998 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a rarity that should not be missed.