About Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso)
- Price Range
- Roughly $650-1,000 (about ¥100,000-150,000) for recent releases at retail, rising to $1,800+ (¥250,000+) for older, well-aged vintages.
The legendary founder of Brunello di Montalcino, the Biondi-Santi Riserva from the Il Greppo estate is produced only in exceptional years, aged for decades, and capable of 100+ year longevity.
One of the definitive expressions of Sangiovese and a benchmark of Brunello di Montalcino — a wine every serious enthusiast should experience at least once, prized as much for its longevity as for its structural elegance.
New to wine?
This is a serious, age-worthy wine best enjoyed with a little patience: decant for 2-3 hours and serve at 16-18°C to let its complex bouquet fully open up.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roasted game, mushroom and truffle dishes, aged Pecorino, and rich, slow-cooked red meats. Its high acidity and tannins also make it a sophisticated match for rich, savory Japanese dishes such as soy-glazed wagyu steak or grilled eel (unagi kabayaki).
When to drink it
Ideal for milestone celebrations, formal dinners, or as the centerpiece of a serious collector's tasting.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made only in exceptional vintages, using grapes sourced exclusively from the estate's oldest vines (25+ years old). Fermented with indigenous yeasts, then aged roughly 3 years in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks before further bottle aging — the wine is typically released about 6-7 years after harvest.
About the producer
Biondi SantiThe legendary creator of Brunello di Montalcino.Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it taste like?
- Aromas of wild berry, rose, dried cherry, leather, tobacco and balsamic notes lead into a palate of dark fruit, black pepper and baking spice, framed by firm, polished tannins and bright acidity.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Roasted game, mushroom and truffle dishes, aged Pecorino, and rich red meats. It is not ideal with delicate dishes such as seafood, salads, or poultry.
- How long should it age before drinking?
- It is made for the long haul — the wine is generally not approachable until at least a decade after release, and top vintages can continue developing beautifully for 30-50+ years.
- How should I serve it?
- Decant for 2-3 hours and serve at 16-18°C to let the complex bouquet fully open up.
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