Biondi-Santi launches special edition Riserva 2012

Biondi-Santi honour the lifetime fidelity of the remarkable Gentleman of Brunello, Franco Biondi Santi.

From his first vintage as head winemaker in 1970 to his last one in 2012, Franco Biondi Santi has dedicated his life to Tenuta Greppo, to his vines and to his wine. As the last vintage produced during the illustrious career of Franco Biondi Santi, the prestigious Italian brand Biondi-Santi have announced the launch of the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012. This unique bottling is dedicated to the remarkable winemaker and his legacy for creating uncompromising quality in the face of modernity and promoting the global reputation of Italian winemaking.

In the late 19th century, Biondi Santi came up with the then revolutionary idea of making red wine exclusively from the local Sangiovese grape variety known as Brunello, identified by his grandfather in Southern Tuscany. Opposed to blending in other grape variations, Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese - a traditional Tuscan grape which helped set the standard for Tuscan reds.

Having learnt the subtle art of vinification from his father Tancredi after his passing in 1970, Franco became the sole winemaker at Tenuta Greppo. For over four decades, he has preserved his family’s distinguished reputation, gaining respect worldwide for maintaining a style of wine which remains true to the pioneering vision of his forefathers; creating one of the greatest wines in the world - the Brunello di Montalcino.

Giampiero Bertolini, CEO of Biondi-Santi, continues, “We waited one more year to release the Riserva 2012 to ensure a perfect balance because the presentation of this wine is special to us. For his lifelong commitment to maintaining the excellence and unique style of our Brunello and for his fierce defence of the territory of Montalcino, Franco has played an important role in the history of Biondi-Santi. His is the hand behind 24 of the only 39 Riserva ever produced at Biondi-Santi, and we are immensely proud to dedicate the Riserva 2012 to his life’s achievements.”

Producing only in the most excellent vintages (just 39 times since 1888), the Riserva 2012 was crafted with a selection of grapes from the oldest estate vineyards, fermented in oak casks using indigenous yeasts, then aged 36 months in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. Neither contemporary nor ancient, the 150-year heritage of Tenuta Greppo is encapsulated with a distinctive expression of vibrant freshness and elegant structure which softens with bottle age.

Retailing at £460, the Riserva epitomises the essence of Franco Biondi Santi’s remarkable lifetime achievements.

www.biondisanti.com

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