# Brunello di Montalcino (2017)

- **Producer:** Biondi Santi International
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Tuscany, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €240
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, orange, sour cherry, red cherry, dog rose, tobacco, cedar, cloves, cinnamon, earth, leather, tobacco, withered rose, dried fruit

## About this wine

Brunello di Montalcino Biondi-Santi 2017 is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from the Montalcino region in Tuscany, Italy. The Biondi-Santi estate, Tenuta Greppo, is considered the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino, with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. The family is credited with creating the first Brunello di Montalcino in 1888 and is known for its commitment to producing wines of exceptional longevity and finesse, utilizing their proprietary Sangiovese clone, BBS11. The 2017 vintage, despite a hot and dry summer, is recognized for its balanced acidity and refined character.

## Interesting facts

- The estate uses its own Sangiovese clone, 'BBS11', the only official varietal clone named after a producer.
- Biondi-Santi wines are renowned for their extraordinary longevity, with some bottles capable of aging for over a century.
- The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva was named one of the 12 best wines of the 20th century by Wine Spectator.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure, including its linear tannins and vivid acidity, complements the richness of proteins and cuts through fatty elements. The complex aromatic profile, with notes of dark fruit, earth, and spice, harmonizes with slow-cooked meats, game, and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Brunello di Montalcino Biondi-Santi 2017 is produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown on the Tenuta Greppo estate. Fermentation takes place on the skins with temperature control, followed by a long maceration period. The wine then undergoes extended aging, typically in large Slavonian oak barrels, adhering to DOCG regulations for a minimum of two years in wood and four months in bottle. The estate utilizes its proprietary Sangiovese clone, BBS11, and practices natural viticulture.