Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1968)

About this wine

The 1968 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva by Biondi-Santi presents a garnet-red hue with subtle orange reflections, indicative of its maturity. The nose offers a complex bouquet of dried violets, rose petals, and hints of blood orange, complemented by aromas of fresh raspberries, pomegranate, and dried fruits like quince, apricot, and plum. Herbal notes of dried mint and sage add depth, while undertones of juniper, pine resin, forest floor, truffle, coffee, tobacco, bacon, leather, ink, and flint provide a multifaceted aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is elegant and precise, with a deep and austere structure. The still-present acidity leads to a finish characterized by well-integrated, savory tannins. This vintage was produced exclusively from estate-grown grapes sourced from the oldest vines over 25 years of age, prior to the registration of the proprietary BBS11 Sangiovese Grosso clone in 1978.

About the grape

Sangiovese, the sole grape in the 1968 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, is a red Italian variety whose name means "blood of Jupiter." In the mid-19th century, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, grandson of Clemente Santi, pioneered the production of Brunello di Montalcino by isolating a specific Sangiovese clone, later known as BBS11. This clone was formally recognized in 1978. The 1968 Riserva was crafted from estate-grown grapes sourced from vines over 25 years old, reflecting the family's dedication to quality and tradition.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1968 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Biondi-Santi is renowned for its extraordinary longevity, with bottles from this vintage still being enjoyed today.
• 🌟 Biondi-Santi's Riserva wines are produced only in exceptional vintages, making the 1968 release a rare and celebrated example.
• 📚 The Biondi-Santi estate maintains a wine library called 'La Storica,' where bottles like the 1968 Riserva are carefully preserved for decades.
• 🛢️ The 1968 Riserva was crafted under the guidance of Franco Biondi Santi, who upheld traditional winemaking methods, including aging in large Slavonian oak casks.
• 🍇 Brunello di Montalcino, including the 1968 Riserva, is made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, showcasing the varietal's potential for producing complex and age-worthy wines.

Palate profile

Producer

Biondi-Santi, established in 1865 by Ferruccio Biondi Santi in Montalcino, Italy, is renowned for creating Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious red wine made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. The winery's Il Greppo estate, located just southeast of Montalcino, spans 32 hectares of vineyards rich in galestro rock and marl soils, ideal for cultivating Sangiovese Grosso. Biondi-Santi has maintained traditional winemaking methods, including aging wines in large Slavonian oak casks, some over a century old, contributing to their exceptional longevity. In 2016, the French luxury group EPI acquired a majority stake in the winery, aiming to preserve its heritage while enhancing its global presence.