Producer
This fabled estate sold a majority of its shares to Christopher Descours, the owner of Charles Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck and Château la Verrerie, in December 2016. While the 5th and 6th generations of the Biondi-Santi family, Jacopo and his son Tancredi, remain actively involved in the running of the estate, the investment being undertaken by Christopher Descours will ensure the property modernises in an intelligent manner. The wines are already among the very best in Montalcino, but we’re convinced that they will improve over the next few years.
Vineyards
This 150 hectare property, which abuts Costanti’s estate, has 26 hectares of vineyard split over three sites. The oldest of these plots is Il Greppo, laying at 500 metres above sea level; this is where the winery and house are situated. They also have vines down the hill to the east of Montalcino and to the north, close to Montosoli. Vineyards between 10 and 25 years of age are used for the Brunello. The vines are planted in soils characterised by heavy stone and marl, which helps reduce vigour and aid concentration of flavour in the grapes.
Vinification
Biondi-Santi opt for a later harvest which allows for riper grapes and softer tannins. Fermentation was carried out on the skins for two weeks in concrete tanks at controlled temperatures not exceeding 30ºC. After vinification, the wine was aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 36 months.