Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) - Rosso di Montalcino 2019

Price: $125.00

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Producer	Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi)
Country	Italy
Region	Tuscany
Subregion	Brunello di Montalcino
Varietal	Sangiovese
Vintage	2019
Sku	12109086
Size	750ml

 

WA

95

JD

94

When it comes to Brunello di Montalcino there are two words that say it all: Biondi Santi. As my kids might say this winery is the OG (original gangster!) of Brunello, the first winery to commercially produce Burnello di Mopntalcino way back in 1888. They were the only ones for decades, making their precious, long-lived wines in only the very best vintages only three more times until 1945 (1888, 1891, 1925, and 1945).

In the post WWII period the region boomed and by 1960s there were 11 producers making Brunello. In 1968 the region was granted Denominazione di Origine Controllata and by 1970 there were 25 producers. By 1980, when the region was the first to be awarded the new Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation there were 53 producers, and today there are hundreds. But one stands above them all, known for their long lived, classically styled original expression of the region.

While their Brunello and Riserva bottlings will set you back $300 and $700 respectively, and we even have a bottle of their 1985 Riserva at $1600, the true buy here is their Rosso di Montalcino. Made from the same vineyards and winemaking team, but made to me accessible earlier on in its life. You get a pretty good picture of the style, quality and character of the top wines at a fraction of the price. And this is better than many producers' Brunellos!

This flight of three Biondi-Santi wines starts off on the right foot thanks to the pristine bouquet and lively fruit of the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. This is the entry-level wine (although the price point certainly suggests otherwise). It shows very detailed and chiseled aromas of wild cherry, cassis, dried violet, rust and orange skin. The wine carries a strong structural frame; however, the mouthfeel is ethereal and light notwithstanding.

The 2019 Rosso Di Montalcino is pure and energetic, with ripe cherry fruit, rose petals, orange zest, and spice. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and ripe, soft, supple fruit throughout, it is energetic and long on the palate, with a soft, coating mineral texture. Elegant, pure, and warming on the finish, with no harsh edges, its floral perfume lingers with notes of lavender, red berries, and refreshing salinity. Drink 2025-2040.