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 flagship Biondi Santi Brunello, the Annata, is produced from vines between 10 and 25 years old and is aged for 36 months in Slavonian oak casks. With incredible longevity, Annata can age from 20 to 40 years. To allow the flavor to fully unfold, Biondi Santi recommends opening and allowing the wine to aerate for several hours before drinking.

The 2017 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino is a captivating red wine from the esteemed region of Tuscany, Italy. With its deep, ruby color and alluring aromas, this wine is a true representation of the Sangiovese Grosso varietal.

On the nose, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino reveals ripe red cherry and raspberry notes, accompanied by hints of anise and incense. Despite the warmth of the vintage, this wine surprises with its freshness, which can be attributed to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined and elegant, showcasing a medium frame that is balanced by well-managed tannins and harmonious acidity.

Upon tasting, the palate is greeted by cherry fruit and warming spices, with underlying flavors of macchia and herbes de Provence. The wine maintains its ripe character while maintaining a sense of finesse and charm. It is remarkably approachable now, but also possesses the potential for further aging. The recommended drinking window stretches from 2024 to 2040, allowing the wine to evolve and develop even more complexity over time.

Notable critics have praised the 2017 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino, with Jeb Dunnuck awarding it an impressive score of 96 points. Dunnuck describes the wine as lovely and charming, noting its balanced acidity and medium frame. Eric Guido of Vinous also commends the wine's grace and refinement, highlighting its lifted and refined nature. Guido further emphasizes the expertly maintained balance and successful outcome of the vintage.

Wine Spectator also joins in praise, awarding the wine with 94 points. They note its freshness and energy, with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, iron, rosemary, and stone. The wine exhibits assertive tannins that contribute to a long finish and exceptional balance.

James Suckling, another renowned critic, rates the wine with an impressive 96 points as well. Suckling highlights the wine's subtle and fresh nature, with aromas of sweet berry, orange peel, cedar, bark, and forest flowers. He praises its refined and acid-driven profile, suggesting that it would benefit from additional aging.

Lastly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also recognizes the outstanding qualities of the 2017 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino, granting it a score of 96 points. Monica Larner describes the wine as delicately sweet, with a bouquet that opens quickly in the glass. She praises the wine's celebrated acidity and small berry nuances, as well as its silky tannins and lingering flavors.

Overall, the 2017 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino is a remarkable wine that showcases the excellence of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. With its refined character, balanced structure, and impressive aging potential, this wine is a true gem from Tuscany. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future indulgence, it is sure to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.