Biondi Santi Annata Brunello di Montalcino 2011

Biondi Santi is one of the most legendary names in Italian wine, credited with creating Brunello di Montalcino as a distinct style in the late 19th century. This estate has long been a standard-bearer for traditional Brunello, producing wines with exceptional longevity and structure. The 2011 vintage was challenging due to the warm growing season, but Biondi Santi’s expert vineyard management and strict selection process ensured that only the finest grapes went into the Annata Brunello. This vintage is known for being more approachable in its youth compared to more structured years, while still carrying the house's hallmark elegance and depth.

The estate’s vineyards, located at higher elevations in Montalcino, contribute to the wine’s balance by providing cooler temperatures and preserving acidity, which is essential for aging. Their meticulous, traditional winemaking approach includes long maceration periods and extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks, resulting in a wine with fine-grained tannins and great complexity.

Appearance: Bright ruby red, with subtle garnet hues developing at the rim.

Aroma: Aromas of ripe red cherries, wild berries, dried flowers, and herbs, with underlying notes of leather, tobacco, and a hint of earthiness. The bouquet continues to evolve with aeration, showing complex layers of dried violets, spice, and subtle oak.

Taste: Elegant and refined, with flavours of red currant, cherry, and plum. The fruit is balanced by savoury notes of dried herbs, forest floor, and a touch of balsamic. There’s a firm tannic backbone that provides structure, yet the wine remains silky on the palate.

Finish: Long and lingering, with a fine mineral thread and notes of dried cherries, spices, and a subtle, earthy smokiness. The tannins are finely integrated, leaving a graceful, balanced finish.

Pairings: Charred venison rack with mesquite, black cabbage, and caramelized pearl onion. The gamey, rich flavours of venison will be enhanced by the wine’s earthy notes and bright cherry fruit, while the mesquite and smoky elements will complement its evolving complexity.

Slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero and red wine jus. The savoury, herb-infused porchetta and the richness of the jamon will play off the wine's tannic structure and vibrant acidity, creating a harmonious pairing.