What kind of wine is Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi?
Considered one of the great classics of Italian oenology, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi represents the excellence of pure Sangiovese. It originates from the historic vineyards of Tenuta Il Greppo, in the heart of Montalcino, and is produced only in vintages deemed truly exceptional. This is a wine of great structure, elegant and complex, capable of expressing the full depth of its terroir in the glass. The body is full yet harmonious, supported by fine tannins and a freshness that provides balance and longevity.Vintage details
The 2016 vintage is considered among the best of recent decades in Montalcino. The balance between sunny days and cool nights favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes, leading to perfect aromatic concentration. Low yields per hectare and manual selection of the bunches guaranteed raw material of the highest quality. In the glass, this climatic harmony translates into a refined wine with a powerful yet precise structure.Winemaking and aging
The winemaking process for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi follows a traditional method. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, with maceration on the skins for about three weeks, to best extract color and aromatic complexity. Subsequently, the wine ages for 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, typical of the Biondi-Santi production philosophy. This long aging in large wood allows for a slow evolution, preserving the fruit's fragrance and building the elegant texture that has made this Riserva famous.Tasting Notes
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi is a wine with a deep personality, continuously evolving in the glass.Color
It presents a luminous ruby red with subtle garnet reflections, a sign of an evolution that has just begun but is already promising. The clarity and brilliance are typical of the Biondi-Santi touch.Nose
The nose opens with great finesse, offering notes of ripe red fruits, orange peel, delicate spices, and floral hints of dried violet. With aeration, balsamic nuances and hints of tobacco and leather emerge, anticipating the gustatory complexity.Taste
On the palate, it is deep, taut, and harmonious. The tannins are silky yet present, perfectly integrated into a balanced structure by a pleasant acidity. The persistence is very long, with an elegant and mineral finish that invites another sip. It is a wine that evolves minute by minute, revealing new nuances with each taste.Food pairings for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi
This Brunello is ideal for accompanying important and flavorful dishes. It pairs wonderfully with:- grilled or roasted red meats;
- stewed game;
- braised and stewed beef;
- aged hard cheeses.
Storage and aging: how to store Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi wine
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi is a long-aging wine, capable of evolving and improving for decades. To store it best:- keep bottles lying down, so the cork remains moist;
- maintain a constant temperature between 12 and 14°C;
- avoid exposure to direct light and vibrations;
- maintain humidity around 70%.
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 2016 - Biondi-Santi
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening your Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi, place the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows any natural deposits that have formed over time to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in your glass.
If the bottle has been stored horizontally, bring it back to a delicate room temperature slowly, avoiding sudden temperature changes or abrupt movements.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal temperature to fully appreciate this Tuscan wine is around 18°C. If the bottle is too cold, the bouquet will be closed; if it's too warm, the alcohol will be more noticeable. To achieve the perfect temperature:
- Chill the bottle in a cool environment or a wine cooler for about an hour before serving;
- Avoid the refrigerator, which can alter the wine's complex aromas;
- Use a wine thermometer for greater precision.
3. Opening the bottle
When opening the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi, proceed calmly. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule just below the rim of the neck;
- Clean the rim with a clean cloth;
- Insert the corkscrew straight into the center of the cork and screw it in slowly;
- Extract the cork with a fluid motion, avoiding jolts that could disturb the sediment.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, check the condition of the cork: it should not show excessive dampness or unpleasant odors. Pour a small amount of wine into a tasting glass and smell carefully. The aromas should be elegant and complex, with notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and tobacco, typical of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi.
5. Decanting and aeration
This wine, being a great aged red, greatly benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the contents into a decanter, leaving any sediment at the bottom. Allow it to aerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the aromas to fully open up.
During this phase, contact with air softens the tannins and intensifies the aromatic notes, restoring the authentic profile that makes Brunello di Montalcino Biondi-Santi unique.
6. Serving
Use large, preferably tulip-shaped, glasses to promote aeration in the glass and enhance the aromatic complexity. Pour the wine slowly, avoiding tilting the bottle too much. You can pair the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi with structured dishes such as:
- Grilled or braised red meats;
- Aged cheeses;
- Typical Tuscan game dishes.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, store the wine in a cool, dark place, tightly closed with an airtight or vacuum stopper. Ideally, it should be consumed within 2-3 days. Once decanted, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016 - Biondi-Santi will only maintain its best characteristics for a short period, so it is recommended to enjoy it on the same day to appreciate all its complexity and elegance.