Biondi Santi Reserva Brunello Di Montalcino 2018

Biondi-Santi Reserva Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a benchmark Tuscan Sangiovese from the Tenuta Greppo estate widely credited with inventing Brunello di Montalcino — a cellar wine for the collector laying down bottles meant to be opened decades from now.

Process & Profile

Made from 100% estate-grown Sangiovese Grosso in the hills of Montalcino, this wine is matured at length in large Slavonian oak casks that lend structure without masking the fruit. The Biondi-Santi name is inseparable from the appellation's origin: Clemente Santi isolated and championed the Sangiovese Grosso clone in the 19th century, and his grandson Ferruccio Biondi Santi produced the first modern Brunello in 1888. The estate reserves the Riserva designation for exceptional years and its oldest vines, which is why it appears only a handful of times each decade rather than annually.

In the glass it shows a translucent garnet typical of the house's restrained, old-school style.

On the nose, red cherry, wild strawberry, dried rose petal, leather, tobacco leaf, and a cool undercurrent of earthy minerality.

On the palate, it is taut and structured, with bright red fruit, orange peel, and fine, chalky tannins framed by vibrant acidity.

The finish is long and savory, tapering through dried herbs, iron, and lingering sour-cherry acidity built for the long haul.

This is deliberately not a plush, oak-driven modern Brunello — the house style prizes acidity, tension, and decades of graceful evolution over immediate richness.

Decant two to three hours and serve at 60–65°F alongside bistecca alla Fiorentina or aged pecorino.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this wine?
A Riserva Brunello di Montalcino from Biondi-Santi, the historic estate credited with creating Brunello, made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso.

What are the specs?
2018 vintage, 100% Sangiovese Grosso, aged in large Slavonian oak casks, 750mL, Montalcino DOCG.

What does it taste like?
Red cherry, dried rose, leather, and tobacco with firm tannins, bright acidity, and a long savory finish.

How should you enjoy it?
Decant 2–3 hours, serve at 60–65°F with Florentine steak or aged cheese.

Why is this release notable?
It is a Riserva from the founding estate of Brunello, bottled only in exceptional years for long-term cellaring.