History
Biondi-Santi is Italy’s most mysterious and enduring wine. Its secret of “eternal life” intrigues me, as do its astronomical prices, which can only be compared to those paid for Romanée-Conti and Pétrus. As recently as a decade ago it was still possible to buy first growth Biondi-Santi vintages 1888 and 1891 from anywhere between 8,000 and 10,000 euros. Today, the asking price for good vintages, such as the 1955 or 1964, is much higher than that for the legendary Latour 1961 or 1959 Pétrus. The year before last a bottle of Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva was auctioned for 14,000 euros, which is the highest price ever paid for an Italian wine. What is the secret behind these prices?
During the first 57 years of the estate’s history, Ferrucio and his son Tancredi only made four vintages of Riserva: 1888, 1891, 1925 and 1945. An approach unheard of at that time, not to mention a daring financial move, limiting the number of vintages turned out to be an exceedingly astute business decision, whilst creating the legend of the world's rarest and most enduring Italian wine. Italy’s most famous wine author, Luigi Veronelli believes that a 50-year maturation period is ideal for the Biondi-Santi Riserva. He explains: “I’m positive that the Biondi-Santi Brunello Riserva is, in its own perfect way, an exceptionally long-lasting wine.