Vineyards Magazine

In line with its tradition for 1 March, Biondi-Santi is marking that day with the release to market of the new vintage of its Brunello di Montalcino, in this case 2018. Accompanying it are the 2010 and 1988 vintages of La Storica, true oenological monuments that by definition must spend an additional minimum of ten years in the winery cellars after their first release. Such Riservas rest in the special La Storica cellar that preserves all the bottles of the 42 Riservas produced from 1888 to date, constituting a library that is both literally and figuratively priceless.

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2018

The 2018 harvest, overseen by the team helmed by Federico Radi, concluded a growing season marked by cool weather and plenteous rainfall over the entire growth cycle, and a summer with below-average temperatures. Harvest started on 16 September and continued off and on for a total of eight days. The last few days benefited from the northerly tramontana, a cool dry wind that helped dry the clusters. The result was a fragrant Brunello di Montalcino, energy-laden yet refined and balanced as well. Its moderate alcohol is already evident on the nose, which boasts an impressive spectrum of fragrances as well, ranging through dried wild herbs, sweet violets, orange zest, wild berryfruit, morello cherry, and inebriating mint. On the palate, it is simply delicious, succulent, and easy drinking, yet at the time fully capable of significant ageing, thanks to its vibrant acidity. 

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 1988 AND 2010

The Riserva 2010 is an extraordinary vintage that boosted Montalcino into the group of world-class growing areas. Its monumental tannins ensure decades of longevity, but it is at the same time approachable and enjoyable even now. The hallmarks of this particular Riserva are its depth, intensity, and firm structure, but well within the stylistic parameters of a Biondi-Santi. An explosive nose releases dark berry, pungent earth and forest floor, medicinal herbs and tanned leather, plus a touch of spice—star anise and white pepper. On the palate, all components are well-knit, with a fine harmony of powerful concentration, finesse, and vigour, powering through to a notably lengthy finish. Still austere, severe even, it shows every sign of an extremely impressive longevity.

The Riserva 1988 vaunts incredible fruit on the nose—after all these years!—segueing into tanned leather, forest floor, menthol, and blood orange. Supple, refined tannins are completely integrated yet still noticeable and make their contribution to the overall vitality of this wine. The acidity is high on the WOW scale, electric and dynamic, and is certainly one of the factors that has kept this wine so youthful-feeling despite its age. A note of sea brine adds to the depth and vibrancy of the finish. Riserva 1988 is a wine that will electrify lovers of evolved wines marked by ethereal, delicate yet elegant finesse.

LA VOCE DI BIONDI-SANTI 2024

RESPECT. Heritage. Earth. Identity.

The third edition of La Voce di Biondi-Santi accompanies the release of Brunello di Montalcino 2018 and the second release of La Storica. To access the listening experience of the new contents, both audiobook and podcast, simply use the QR code on the neckband on the bottle of Brunello di Montalcino 2018.

The theme selected by Biondi-Santi for 2024 is RESPECT.

“Everything we do here at Il Greppo springs from this value,” commented Biondi-Santi CEO Giampiero Bertolini. “Respect for the history of Biondi-Santi and the heritage that is part and parcel of that history. But for our growing area as well, of which we are respectful stewards, and for all the unique qualities of our terroir. Respect for individuals, obviously, whether they are part of our estate team or our partners across the globe. And for our loyal consumers, who can rely on wines that have never deluded expectations, thanks to the trusted character of our Brunello di Montalcino, fruit of 150 years of attention to detail. While we are preparing for the future and confronting the challenges of the present, respect is the principle that guides us in doing the best for our winery, for Montalcino, and for all who love our wine, those who know that they can rely on a wine of extraordinary longevity.”

The value of “Respect” inspired as well the new audiobook, La Corona (The Crown), by Joanne Harris, celebrated international author, screenwriter, and librettist, named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.

La Corona is a succession of brief stories spoken by voices within the framework of a fairytale-like narrative charged with a fantastical atmosphere with traces of the author’s best-known book, Chocolat, the best-seller that inspired the popular film of the same name, even though La Corona’s most explicit reference is to The Thousand and One Nights.

A king, who is about to inherit the crown of his deceased father, who for more than a half century

as king had been loved and respected by everyone, feels unequal to the responsibility he is to inherit. So, he asks courtiers, nobles, and common folk how his father had won such deep respect from everyone. The replies, which are recounted, provide the king with a definition of respect and the concrete ways that respect is demonstrated that is so broad, diverse, and variegated that he comes to realise that the only way to understand it is to perpetually go in search of it. 

Neri Marcorè recites the story in the Italian version, and Tomas Arana the English.

Four conversations that make up the podcast explore the theme of respect through personal interpretations of as many speakers. CEO Giampiero Bertolini expatiates on “Respect history by talking about the future,” and Technical Director Federico Radi explains “The historical vineyards, our treasure-box.” “We can’t control nature,” is the theme by yachtsman Giovanni Soldini, selected by Biondi-Santi as this year’s Kindred Spirit, and author Joanne Harris talks about her personal experiences at Biondi-Santi in her “Respect is a reciprocal value.”

BIONDI-SANTI

The first use of the word ‘Brunello’ dates back to the mid-19th century, when Clemente Santi won a prize for his ‘vino scelto,’ made entirely from the Sangiovese Grosso variety grown on his land in Montalcino. In 1888, his nephew, Ferruccio Biondi Santi, produced the first wine officially known as ‘Brunello di Montalcino.’  Since then, the Biondi-Santi name has been synonymous with excellence and is one of the world’s leading lights in the ‘Made in Italy’ movement, loved by both collectors and the most respected wine critics.

In 2017, Christopher Descours’ acquisition of Biondi-Santi opened a new chapter in the company’s story with the introduction of important research and development projects both in the vineyards and the winery. These projects aim to further build on the excellence that has always been associated with this producer.