2014 Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino

Biondi Santi's 'Tenuta Greppo' is where it all began for Montalcino's eventual rise to fine wine stardom. Clemente Santi's submission of 'Vino Rosso Puro 1852' at a National Exhibition in Florence is possibly the first 100% Sangiovese grown in Montalcino and provided the framework for his descendants creation of Brunello di Montalcino. The entire history of Montalcino as a wine region are completely inseparable from the Santi name. It's no wonder the Biondi-Santi approach to winemaking has resiliently stayed true to its roots even during the 1990's when new oak barrels and riper grapes from continuously replanted vineyards were en vogue especially with critics and collectors. All of the wines of Biondi-Santi emphasize elegance over power and have long been praised for their unrivaled ability to last decade after decade. The Rosso di Montalcino here comes from vines under the ten year mark which will one day become integral in the coveted Brunello Riservas. Without an lacking of complexity, this bottling offers a great early, restrained expression of what Biondi-Santi is all about as their Brunellos take their time in the cellar.