What kind of wine is Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi?
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi is one of the absolute symbols of Italian enological excellence. Made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes from the historic vineyards of Greppo, it represents the purest and most refined essence of the Montalcino territory. This Riserva, produced only in vintages deemed exceptional, is a wine with an elegant and complex structure, capable of extraordinary evolution over time. Full and harmonious, Biondi-Santi's Brunello Riserva has always been synonymous with class, balance, and longevity.Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage is considered one of the most balanced and consistent in recent decades. The mild climate and temperature variations between day and night favored complete and uniform ripening of the grapes. The harvest, carried out by hand towards the end of September, allowed only perfectly healthy bunches to be selected, ensuring a wine with exceptional aromatic concentration and a perfect balance between freshness and power.Winemaking and Aging
The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi follows a production process faithful to the winery's tradition. After fermentation – the transformation of must into wine, which takes place in concrete vats with natural yeasts – the wine undergoes a long maceration on the skins to extract color, aromas, and noble tannins. Subsequently, it ages for about 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, a wood that does not overpower the aromas but discreetly accompanies them, imparting harmony and depth. After bottling, the wine rests further in glass to complete its evolutionary phase.Tasting Notes
Balance and finesse distinguish every phase of tasting this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, capable of thrilling both expert palates and those approaching the world of great Tuscan reds for the first time.Color
Luminous garnet red, with orange reflections typical of the natural evolution of Sangiovese. The brilliance of the color attests to extraordinary vitality and excellent preservation.Nose
The aroma opens with a broad and noble bouquet, with notes of ripe cherry, aromatic herbs, and sweet spices. Hints of blond tobacco, leather, and a delicate balsamic nuance emerge, enhancing its elegance. The nose evolves in the glass, revealing complexity and continuous references to the territory.Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious and deep. The finely chiseled tannins support a robust yet balanced structure. The freshness of Sangiovese gives impetus and long persistence, with a finish reminiscent of spices and ripe red fruits. A wine with a decisive yet seductive character, capable of captivating from the first sip.Food Pairings for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi
This great Tuscan red pairs best with substantial and flavorful dishes. It is perfect with:- Grilled or stewed red meats
- Braised and roasted game
- Aged hard cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino
- Traditional Tuscan dishes based on mushrooms or truffles
Storage and Aging: How to store Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015 is a wine capable of evolving positively for many decades. To store it best, it is important to follow some precautions:- Constant temperature: between 14 and 16°C
- Dark environment free from vibrations: light and movement can alter the wine over time
- Bottle laid on its side: to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal
Biondi-Santi
The history of the Biondi-Santi winery The Biondi-Santi winery is a name that evokes tradition and innovation in the world of wine. Located in the heart of Tuscany, it is famous for inventing Brunello di Montalcino. The winery's history dates back to the 19th century when Clemente Santi began exp...
How to best open and serve Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening your Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi, ensure the bottle has been correctly stored horizontally, away from direct light and heat sources. Approximately 24 hours before serving, position it vertically to allow any natural sediment in the wine to settle at the bottom. This step is crucial for a clear pour, free of residue.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Temperature directly influences the aromatic expression of this Tuscan wine. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi should be served at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine is too cold, its aromas will remain closed; if too warm, the alcohol might become predominant. Use a wine thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or double-action corkscrew for a precise and secure opening. Proceed as follows:
- Carefully remove the capsule below the bottle's neck ring.
- Wipe the bottle's mouth with a clean cloth.
- Slowly insert the corkscrew's worm into the center of the cork and extract it with controlled movements, avoiding sudden jerks.
Given that it is a vintage wine, the cork might be delicate: if necessary, use a two-pronged cork puller (Ah-So corkscrew) to prevent it from breaking.
4. Inspection and first taste
Once uncorked, observe the wine's color to check its clarity and integrity. Pour a small amount into a glass and gently sniff: the aroma should be complex, elegant, with notes of ripe fruit, spices, and leather. If the wine shows oxidative or unpleasant notes, let it breathe for a few minutes: often, oxygenation restores the bouquet to its natural balance.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Decanting is recommended for a prestigious label like Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi. Perform it slowly, pouring the wine into a carafe or a wide-necked decanter, leaving the sediment at the bottom of the bottle. This operation serves to:
- Separate the natural sediment accumulated over years of aging.
- Promote wine oxygenation and the opening of complex aromas.
Allow the wine to rest in the decanter for 45–60 minutes before serving, to allow the tannins to soften and the bouquet to express itself fully.
6. Serving
Serve the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi in large, tulip-shaped glasses, which allow for proper oxygenation and concentration of aromas. Pour moderate quantities to maintain a consistent wine temperature in the glass. Preferably pair it with structured dishes, such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses, to enhance the wine's complexity and persistence.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed completely, the wine can be stored for 1–2 days in a cool environment, away from light and heat sources. Use a vacuum stopper to limit oxidation. To best preserve the original aroma of the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 - Biondi-Santi, place the bottle in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature before subsequent consumption.