Biondi-Santi (Tenuta Greppo)
The originator of Brunello di Montalcino. Ferruccio Biondi-Santi created the first Brunello-style wine in 1888 using a Sangiovese clone selection. The estate sets the historical reference for traditional Brunello.
About Biondi-Santi
Biondi-Santi occupies a unique historical position: Ferruccio Biondi-Santi created the first Brunello di Montalcino wine in the 1880s by isolating a particular Sangiovese clone (Sangiovese Grosso or BBS-11) and pioneering the long-aged 100% Sangiovese style that became the foundation for the entire Brunello category and DOCG. The Tenuta Greppo estate — the original Biondi-Santi property — continues to produce wine in the traditional method, with the Riserva bottlings (from the oldest vineyards) representing the canonical reference for what Brunello can age into. Biondi-Santi Riservas from the 1955, 1961, 1964, 1970, 1975, 1985, 1988, 1990, and 1995 vintages are among Italy’s most legendary collected wines. The estate was acquired by EPI (Christian Dior heir Christopher Descours) in 2017 — a transition that the broader wine world has watched closely for any stylistic deviation from the traditional house style.
Flagship wines
- Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Tenuta Greppo)
- Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata (regular vintage)
- Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino
Editorial notes
Riserva-level Biondi-Santi requires 20-30 year cellaring from strong vintages — the wines are released too young and need extensive bottle aging to show their character. The 1955 Riserva remains famous and drinkable today (70+ years).