{"title":"Biondi Santi","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"biondi-santi-brunello-di-montalcino-1945","title":"Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 1945","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 1945\u003c\/strong\u003e is a historically significant Brunello from Tenuta Greppo, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 1945 stands as one of only four Riserva vintages produced during the estate's first 57 years — alongside 1888, 1891, and 1925 — a degree of selectivity that has cemented its status among the most sought-after Italian wines ever made.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 1945  |  Producer: Tenuta Greppo (Biondi Santi)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTenuta Greppo, the Biondi Santi family estate in Montalcino, is widely credited with creating Brunello di Montalcino as a distinct wine category. Ferruccio Biondi Santi pioneered the use of 100% Sangiovese Grosso in the late 19th century, and his son Tancredi continued the tradition of bottling Riserva only in years of extraordinary quality. The 1945 was vinified from estate-grown Sangiovese Grosso and aged for an extended period in large Slavonian oak casks — the traditional vessel that defines the estate's restrained, age-worthy style. Only a few hundred bottles are believed to remain in private collections worldwide, making the 1945 among the rarest expressions Tenuta Greppo has ever released.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Initial impressions reveal elegant red berry and raspberry, shifting gradually toward dried prunes and oxidative nuances reminiscent of aged Madeira or Sherry. A deeper layer of mushroom, leather, and tobacco emerges with extended air.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with sour red cherry and licorice, supported by warm spice notes that reflect decades of slow evolution in bottle. Mid-palate weight remains surprisingly firm, carried by tannins that, while softened by nearly eight decades, still provide structure. The overall impression is one of harmony — fruit, earth, and tertiary complexity in careful balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and powerful, with lingering tobacco, dried herbs, and a faint mineral undertone. Tannins resolve gracefully, leaving a dry, compelling persistence that invites contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink the 1945 Brunello\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA wine of this age and rarity should be served neat in a large Burgundy-style glass at cellar temperature (around 16–18°C \/ 61–64°F). Decanting requires extreme care — a very gentle pour into a decanter and no more than 30 minutes of air may be sufficient, though some bottles may be best served directly from bottle to preserve fragile aromatics. This is not a wine for mixing or casual consumption; it is a meditation wine meant to be experienced on its own terms, ideally alongside quiet conversation and close attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking a milestone anniversary or birth-year celebration tied to 1945\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a once-in-a-lifetime bottle to a serious Italian wine collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a dedicated Brunello or Italian wine collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting an intimate vertical or historical tasting event\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Biondi Santi 1945 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Expect a complex profile of sour red cherry, licorice, leather, tobacco, and mushroom, with firm tannins and a long, powerful finish that reflects nearly eight decades of bottle aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Biondi Santi 1945 compare to Giacomo Conterno Monfortino Barolo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmarks for traditional, long-aging Italian wine from Sangiovese and Nebbiolo respectively, but the Biondi Santi 1945 predates the modern Italian fine-wine market and carries singular historical significance as one of only four Riserva vintages from Tenuta Greppo's first half-century. Monfortino offers a parallel in philosophy — extreme selectivity and extended cask aging — though the grape varieties and regional terroir produce distinctly different flavor profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Biondi Santi 1945 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e This is exclusively a wine for slow, attentive sipping in ideal conditions — it rewards patience and careful handling, and its complexity unfolds gradually over the course of a glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Biondi Santi 1945 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It was produced at Tenuta Greppo, the Biondi Santi family estate located in the commune of Montalcino within Tuscany, Italy — the birthplace of the Brunello di Montalcino denomination.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Biondi Santi 1945?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano complements the wine's tertiary complexity without overwhelming it. Shaved black truffle or a simple truffle risotto echoes the earthy, mushroom-laden aromatics. Braised wild boar or slow-cooked lamb with rosemary mirrors the wine's structure and depth. A dish of roasted chestnuts can highlight the wine's autumnal, savory character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Biondi Santi 1945 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1945 vintage is known in the standard 750ml format; given its extreme rarity, other bottle sizes are not widely documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Biondi Santi 1945 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1945 occupies the ultra-premium collector tier, with prices reflecting its near-irreplaceable scarcity — only a few hundred bottles are believed to exist — and its unique place in Italian wine history as one of the estate's earliest Riserva releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy the 1945?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 1945 Biondi Santi is not simply old wine; it is a document of a pivotal moment in Italian viticulture. When Tancredi Biondi Santi chose to declare 1945 as a Riserva vintage — only the fourth in the estate's history — he set a standard of ruthless selection that few producers have matched before or since. The Sangiovese Grosso vines at Tenuta Greppo, the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino itself, produced fruit of sufficient concentration and structure to endure decades of Slavonian oak aging and further evolution in bottle. For collectors and historians of Italian wine, the 1945 represents an irreplaceable intersection of terroir, vintage, and the family that invented an entire category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Biondi Santi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837294112937,"sku":"24626","price":4999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/biondi_santi_brunello_di_montalcino_1945__87258.jpg?v=1730478710"},{"product_id":"biondi-santi-brunello-di-montalcino-annata-2009","title":"Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata 2009","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml DOCG red wine from Tenuta Greppo, made entirely from the estate's proprietary BBS11 Sangiovese Grosso clone. Awarded a Gold medal at Mundus Vini and 93 points from Gilbert \u0026amp; Gaillard, the 2009 Annata stands among the most respected expressions from the family credited with inventing Brunello di Montalcino as a category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varietal: 100% Sangiovese Grosso (BBS11 Clone)  |  Origin: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2009  |  Producer: Biondi Santi, Tenuta Greppo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Biondi Santi family has been producing wine at Tenuta Greppo since the mid-19th century and is widely recognized as the founding estate of Brunello di Montalcino. The 2009 Annata is produced exclusively from the BBS11 clone — Brunello Biondi Santi 11 — a proprietary selection of Sangiovese Grosso identified and isolated at Tenuta Greppo during the 1970s. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in a combination of concrete vats and large Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a minimum of three years of aging in traditional Slavonian oak casks. This approach deliberately avoids the influence of small French barriques, preserving the austere, terroir-driven character that defines Biondi Santi's house style and separates it from more modern Brunello producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with elegant floral tones of violet and rose, followed by layers of undergrowth, morello cherry, and redcurrant. Deeper balsamic notes emerge alongside hints of mint, tobacco, sandalwood, and a distinctive flinty minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate reveals sappy red fruit with penetrating purity and energy. The mid-palate unfolds with succulent wild cherry accented by white pepper, black tea, and subtle vanilla. Tannins are silky yet noble, lending an elegantly austere structure that carries cola, licorice, and dark fruit through a savory, mineral-laden core.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is vibrant, firm, and remarkably long, with gripping but refined tannins that gradually release lingering echoes of forest floor and balsam. There is a freshness here that suggests significant further development with cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Biondi Santi Annata 2009\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine rewards patient decanting — at least one to two hours — and serving at 16–18°C in a large Burgundy-style glass to allow its complex aromatics to fully express themselves. At over 15 years of age, the 2009 Annata is approaching a rewarding drinking window while still retaining the structural backbone for further aging. It is a wine designed for thoughtful, undistracted drinking, ideally alongside food rather than in cocktails.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBistecca alla fiorentina — the classic Tuscan pairing, where the wine's acidity cuts through charred, rare beef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWild boar ragù with pappardelle — earthy, gamey flavors echo the wine's undergrowth and forest floor notes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged Parmigiano-Reggiano (36+ months) — the umami depth and granular texture complement the wine's tannin structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHerb-crusted rack of lamb — rosemary and thyme mirror the wine's balsamic, herbal complexity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePorcini mushroom risotto — the earthy richness pairs naturally with the Annata's mineral and forest floor character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Italian wine collector on a milestone occasion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a vertical tasting of Biondi Santi vintages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for long-term development over the next decade or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special Tuscan-inspired dinner for discerning guests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Biondi Santi Annata 2009 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers penetrating red fruit purity, wild cherry, and balsamic complexity over a firm mineral backbone, with silky tannins and a remarkably long, vibrant finish. The overall impression is one of austere elegance rather than overt fruit richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Biondi Santi Annata compare to Soldera Case Basse Brunello?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both estates are considered among the two greatest Brunello producers, sharing a commitment to 100% Sangiovese Grosso and extended Slavonian oak aging. Biondi Santi tends toward a more classically structured, restrained style, while Soldera Case Basse often shows greater aromatic opulence and textural richness in the same vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Biondi Santi Annata 2009 good for drinking now?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 2009 is entering a rewarding drinking window when decanted for one to two hours, though its firm tannic structure and acidity indicate it will continue to develop positively for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Biondi Santi Annata made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Tenuta Greppo, the Biondi Santi family estate located in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG zone in the hills of southern Tuscany, Italy. The estate sits at elevations between approximately 400 and 500 meters above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Biondi Santi Annata 2009?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bistecca alla fiorentina is the benchmark pairing, as the wine's acidity and tannin handle richly marbled beef. Wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, herb-crusted lamb, and porcini mushroom risotto all complement its earthy, balsamic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Biondi Santi Annata come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, though Biondi Santi has historically produced magnums (1.5L) and other large formats for select vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Biondi Santi Annata 2009 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Biondi Santi Annata positions firmly in the premium-to-ultra-premium tier of Brunello di Montalcino, reflecting the estate's status as the founding family of the appellation, its proprietary BBS11 clone, and consistently high critical recognition. For collectors and serious enthusiasts of traditional Brunello, it represents a benchmark investment in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Biondi Santi Annata 2009?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2009 vintage at Tenuta Greppo produced a Brunello that balances the warmth of the growing season with the estate's hallmark restraint and structural precision. Its foundation in the proprietary BBS11 Sangiovese Grosso clone — a genetic selection unavailable to any other producer — gives it a lineage no competitor can replicate. Recognized with a Gold medal at Mundus Vini and 93 points from Gilbert \u0026amp; Gaillard, the wine has earned critical validation alongside its historical pedigree. For anyone seeking Brunello di Montalcino in its most traditional, uncompromising form, the Biondi Santi Annata 2009 represents the standard against which the appellation measures itself.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Biondi Santi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837294276777,"sku":"26589","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/biondi_santi_brunello_di_montalcino_annata_2009__14573.jpg?v=1730478713"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/biondi-santi.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}