Wine Advisor
Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino 2006
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Description
The Biondi-Santi flagship wine, the Brunello di Montalcino embodies the spirit of Tenuta Greppo and the signature style of our winemakers, forged over 150 years of history with its balanced combination of fresh elegance, depth and aristocratic personality.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably harmonious at this young stage, quite a departure at Biondi-Santi. The 2006 shows dazzling richness and integrity in its powerful fruit in a totally captivating, sensual style. This is a beautifully centered, complete Brunello with a bright future ahead of it. The Brunello was fermented in cement and aged for three years in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. Importer: Vision Wine & Spirits, Secaucus, NJ; tel. (201) 210-0400 A visit to Il Greppo is always fascinating, as the estate is literally packed with history at every corner. The old casks, some of which date to the late 1800s, the collection of rare bottles and the impeccably clean, traditionally outfitted cellar are all worth a look. I was impressed with the wines I tasted from Biondi-Santi this year. The 2007 Rosso and 2006 Brunello are both far more accessible than the super-austere wines that were common here not too long ago. Importer: Vision Wine & Spirits, Secaucus, NJ; tel. (201) 210-0400
Reviewed by: James Suckling
One of the best Biondi-Santi's in years. This is really silky, with plum and chocolate and hints of cedar. Some citrus as well. Full body, with gorgeous fruit and a persistent finish. Give this another three to four years to open.
About the Producer
The history of the estate dates back to 1840, when Caterina Santi, the daughter of the Santi family, married Jacopo Biondi of the Biondi family, and the two families' premises were merged. The two families merged and began to cultivate the grapes and make the wine that became Château Biondi. The winery was later taken over by Ferruccio Biondi Santi, son of Caterina and Jacopo, who officially changed the name of the estate to Biondi Santi. The Brunello variety is essentially a clone of Sangiovese, but is larger, more tannic and produces a more layered wine. The complexity and elegance of this variety, which is suitable for long-term ageing, makes it a masterpiece of Italian fine wine. The vineyards of Biante Sandi are located at the highest altitude in the hills of Montalcino, with frequent fog on the hillside, which gives them the advantage of not only very good land but also altitude. All Brunello di Montalcino wines are made from grapes sourced from vines that are over 10 years old (25 years old for the Reserve) in the vineyard. After fermentation, the wines are first stored in Slovenian oak barrels for three years and then aged in the bottle for six months before being released for sale.
