Biondi Santi: The Birthplace of Brunello

This is a pilgrimage. In 1888, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi bottled the FIRST Brunello di Montalcino here at Tenuta Greppo. The 1869 certificate hanging in the brick-vaulted tasting room is the first documented mention of 'Brunello' anywhere. His grandson Franco walled up precious vintages to hide them from Nazi plunderers in 1944 - they opened them decades later and the wines were still alive. The 1955 Riserva was served to Queen Elizabeth II at the Italian Embassy in London. This isn't a winery. It's hallowed ground.

What to do there

5 things to do

1. 1 See the 1869 Certificate History · Price: high

   The first documented mention of "Brunello" in history.

   Email info@biondisanti.it 3+ weeks ahead to book. Specifically request to see the brick-vaulted tasting room where the 1869 certificate hangs. Most tours include this, but CONFIRM. When you see it, note the handwritten mention of 'Brunello' - this is THE document that started it all. Ask your guide to translate the Italian.

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2. 2 Taste Where Franco Hid the Wines History · Price: high

   Franco Biondi Santi walled up wines to save them from Nazi plunderers in 1944.

   During your tour, ask about the WWII story. Franco and his father Tancredi walled up the oldest vintages just before German forces arrived. The guide will show you where - some areas still show the masonry work. Ask which vintages were saved. The 1888 and 1891 were among them. They last tasted the 1888 in 1994 - still alive.

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3. 3 Taste the Riserva (Franco's Legacy) Wine · Price: very high

   Only 39 Riserva vintages have been made since 1888.

   Book the Riserva tasting (€80+). The Riserva is only made in exceptional years from vines 25+ years old. Only 39 vintages exist since 1888. Ask which vintage you're tasting and how it compares to the legendary 1955 (served to Queen Elizabeth II). If they offer a vertical, DO IT - comparing years is unforgettable.

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4. 4 Walk the Sangiovese Grosso Vineyard Wine · Free

   The specific clone that defines Brunello - Sangiovese Grosso.

   Most tours include a vineyard walk. This is Sangiovese Grosso - the clone Clemente Santi (Franco's great-grandfather) identified as superior in the 1860s. Touch the vines. Look at the soil - it's galestro (clay-limestone). Ask which vineyard block produces the oldest vines for Riserva - some are 50+ years old.

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5. 5 Buy a Bottle to Age 20 Years Adventure · Price: high · Optional

   Brunello is made to age. This one will outlive you.

   In the shop, buy a recent vintage Annata (€50-80) or Riserva (€150+) to age for 20+ years. Write the date and occasion on the label. Ask the staff which vintage they recommend for aging until 2045. These wines regularly live 50+ years. Your grandchildren will thank you.

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Insider tips

• Book via email 3+ weeks ahead - they do NOT take walk-ins ever

• Request to see the 1869 certificate specifically - some tours skip it

• The brick-vaulted tasting room is the original from 1888 - ask to taste there

• The Riserva (€80+ tasting) requires 10+ years aging minimum - worth every euro

• Ask about the WWII story and which vintages were walled up