Biondi-Santi is synonymous with Brunello di Montalcino. Ferruccio Biondi-Santi first produced and bottled Brunello di Montalcino in 1865, using a superior clone of Sangiovese selected by his grandfather, Clemente Santi. Clemente had been experimenting with new winemaking methods and identifying vines capable of producing wines of exceptional quality. In the years that followed, Ferruccio’s Brunello earned significant international recognition.
For decades, the Biondi-Santi family remained the only commercial producer of Brunello di Montalcino. After the Second World War, many Montalcino vineyards were abandoned; farmers began returning to the region in the 1960s. Brunello di Montalcino was granted DOC status in 1966, and the Brunello Consortium was established the following year. In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino became the first Italian wine to receive DOCG status.
Today, Biondi-Santi continues to honour its winemaking traditions while evolving through investment in vineyard replanting and modern vinification equipment. All Biondi-Santi vineyards are designated for Brunello production. Rosso is produced from plots that deliver a fruitier, earlier-drinking style, while grapes for the riserva come from plots capable of producing wines with greater intensity, structure, and longevity. All with the goal of achieving excellence through evolution, not revolution.
It’s a new day at Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo. The rigorous efforts that Winemaker Federico Radi has poured into the vineyards and cellar are truly beginning to manifest in the wines. I first observed this transformation in the 2018 Rosso, which displayed a newfound purity. Now, after tasting the 2019 Brunello and the 2019 Riserva, it is apparent that his vision translates beautifully into the flagship wines as well.
Longtime fans of this estate might initially be taken aback by the lift and finesse of these new releases, but the wines’ impeccable balance commands respect. The improvements to the Annata are evident. For my palate, it was historically the estate’s weakest wine, but that is no longer the case. The Riserva possesses everything it needs—all it requires now is time to mature. Though the 2020 Brunello comes across as significantly lighter and more restrained than expected, it is a reflection of the season and Radi’s disciplined desire to maintain refinement in a challenging year.November 2025
While the sale of the estate to French group Epi is still fresh on many consumer minds, one thing is certain – Radi is committed to taking this estate into the future while retaining the DNA of Biondi-Santi. His humility and dedication to the greater purpose of the estate is palpable, and as his wines are beginning to come into the market (Radi joined the producer in 2017), there’s a lot to be excited about, despite his not wanting to make a fuss over his own efforts. As of this year, they have planted new vines on the property, between their iconic Cypress-lined entrance and the Pian Dell’Orino estate next door. They have worked the land to create a terraced vineyard, both to preserve water retention and to prevent erosion. In recent years they have also partnered with consultant Pedro Parra to continue to explore their soil structures and parcels further.
February 2024
The hallmark of these wines, especially the older vintages made by the legendary Franco Biondi-Santi, has always been a certain magic expressed through lifted energy and aromatic lightness. CEO Giampiero Bertolini has frequently emphasized a philosophy of “evolution, not revolution” as he leads this iconic Italian estate under its new French ownership.
Giampiero Bertolini explains that the company has focused on creating greater precision at every stage of the winemaking process, from the picking of individual parcels, bottling and the release schedule. The winery’s "parco legni," or "barrel inventory," has been gradually renewed since 2018, with approximately 60% to 70% of the wood now replaced.Monica Larner, January 2026