1.5L Magnum Gift Box
Overview
One of the historic benchmarks of Brunello di Montalcino, Biondi-Santi Riserva is produced only in exceptional vintages and in extremely limited quantities. First made in 1888, it was the first Brunello di Montalcino in history, and only 40 Riserva vintages have been released between 1888 and the 2019 vintage. Produced from a selection of grapes from Tenuta Greppo’s oldest proprietary vineyards, the 2019 Riserva combines remarkable restraint, precision and longevity. This rare 1.5L Magnum release has received 99 points from Falstaff and 98 points from Wine Spectator.
Vintage
The 2019 growing season began with a rainy, cool spring that slowed shoot growth and delayed flowering, followed by a hot and dry June and July. Northern winds brought a brief period of cooler temperatures in mid-July, while late-August rainfall refreshed the vineyards and created ideal conditions for the final stage of ripening. Harvest commenced on 14 September.
Vineyard
The 2019 Riserva was produced exclusively from a selection of grapes grown in Biondi-Santi’s proprietary vineyards, including its oldest parcels. Traditionally, Riserva is sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyards, with vines more than 25 years of age.
Winemaking & Ageing
The wine was vinified in oak casks, concrete and stainless steel using only indigenous yeasts originating from Biondi-Santi’s proprietary vineyards. It was subsequently matured for 28 months in traditional Slavonian oak casks.
Producer Tasting Notes
Nose: “Finely sculpted, unfolding with cherry and pomegranate, dried flowers and wild herbs, lifted by subtle balsamic notes and spice.”
Palate: “Vibrant acidity and fine-grained, well-integrated tannins enliven a taut, incisive palate. Its moderate, judicious weight is perfectly complemented by a clean, beautifully proportioned finish, whose length reflects its terroir and the many years of ageing that lie ahead.”
Critic Reviews
99 Points — Falstaff
“Bright, intense ruby with garnet highlights. Complex nose with pronounced floral notes, followed by dark cherry and plum, as well as preserved sour cherries, with hints of mint and orange. Firm, very well-integrated tannins shape the palate, with excellent tension and a very long finish, showing fine hints of cigar.”
Tasted March 2026
98 Points — Wine Spectator
Recommended drinking window: 2030–2050. Tasted June 2026.
About Biondi-Santi
Biondi-Santi occupies a unique place in the history of Brunello di Montalcino. The estate’s Riserva was first produced in 1888 and is made only when conditions at Tenuta Greppo are considered worthy of a new release. Renowned for extraordinary longevity, Riserva remains one of the estate’s rarest wines.
Historic bottles of Riserva are preserved at Tenuta Greppo in “La Storica”, the estate’s dedicated wine library. Bottles rest without their final labels, with the cork protected by beeswax, and are dressed with the appropriate vintage label only when released from the cellar. The distinctive neck label, or “lunetta”, carries the individual bottle number.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2019
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Producer: Biondi-Santi
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Estate: Tenuta Greppo
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Country: Italy
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Region: Tuscany
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Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
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Classification: Riserva
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Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
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Alcohol: 13.5%
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Sweetness: Dry
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Fermentation: Oak casks, concrete and stainless steel with indigenous yeasts
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Maturation: 28 months in Slavonian oak casks
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2028–2050
