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 2015 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a remarkable red wine that embodies the essence of the Sangiovese Grosso varietal. With its deep red color and enticing aromas, this wine showcases the best of Tuscany's renowned winemaking region.

Upon pouring, the wine displays a beautiful ruby hue that borders on garnet and polished copper. It exudes elegance and sophistication right from the start. The nose is complex yet pure, with mossy red cherries, dried roses, chalk, tar, and dried orange peel. There is a subtle lift of clove and eucalyptus that adds a distinctive touch to the overall aroma profile.

On the palate, the 2015 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is powerful yet seamless and bright. It is a medium-to-full-bodied wine that offers a fine, transparent mid-palate and restrained mineral austerity. The tannins are beautifully managed and silky, contributing to a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The wine exhibits a remarkable balance of acidity and fruit, with juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, and cake spice flavors taking center stage.

This wine has received outstanding reviews from top wine critics. Decanter awarded it a score of 94, praising its generous and weighty expression, firm tannins, and pleasant bitter twist on the finish. Vinous gave it a stellar score of 97, noting its undeniable elegance, velvety waves of violet-tinged wild berries, and amazing energy and purity. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 98+ points, commending its nuanced personality, beautifully managed tannins, and long-lasting fruit momentum.

The 2015 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wine that promises decades of evolution and rewards. While it is already enjoyable, it is recommended to hold it until 2026 to allow its understated complexity to fully bloom. This wine is a true gem from one of Italy's most esteemed producers, Biondi Santi.