Biondi-Santi

The story begins in the mid-19th century with Clemente Santi, an agronomist and scientist who believed in the potential of a particular clone of Sangiovese—later known as Sangiovese Grosso. His vision was radical for the time: a wine made entirely from this grape, capable of decades of ageing. In 1888, his grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi bottled the first Brunello di Montalcino, aged for years in large Slavonian oak casks. This decision defined a new category of Italian wine and set the standard for elegance and longevity. For decades, Biondi-Santi was the sole producer of Brunello, safeguarding its identity through wars and upheaval, even hiding historic vintages behind cellar walls during World War II. Today, the estate’s Riservas from the late 19th century remain among the oldest Brunello bottles in existence.

Tenuta Greppo spans roughly 32 hectares of vineyards on soils rich in galestro and marl, perched at elevations that favour freshness and finesse. The estate’s approach to viticulture is meticulous, incorporating regenerative practices, cover crops, and parcel-specific strategies that preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate stress. In the cellar, time-honoured methods prevail. Fermentation relies on native yeasts in cement or steel, followed by extended ageing in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks—never new oak. This gentle handling ensures that oak frames the wine rather than flavours it, allowing Sangiovese’s purity to shine. The result is Brunello of remarkable structure and aromatic clarity, wines that evolve for decades and express the soul of Montalcino.