Biondi-Santi unveils special edition Riserva 2012

US-based fine wine importer Wilson Daniels has launched Biondi-Santi’s special edition Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012.

The Italian wine expression is said to be the last vintage produced by Franco Biondi Santi.

Biondi-Santi CEO Giampiero Bertolini said: “We waited one more year to release the Riserva 2012 to ensure a perfect balance because the presentation of this wine is special to us.

“For his lifelong commitment to maintaining the excellence and unique style of our Brunello and for his fierce defence of the territory of Montalcino, Franco has played an important role in the history of Biondi-Santi.

“His is the hand behind 24 of the only 39 Riserva ever produced at Biondi-Santi, and we are immensely proud to dedicate the Riserva 2012 to his life’s achievements.”

The company say the Riserva 2012, produced using a selection of grapes from the oldest estate vineyards, was later fermented in oak casks using indigenous yeasts.

The wine is said to have been aged in traditional Slavonian oak barrels for a period of 36 months.

Wilson Daniels president Rocco Lombardo said: “To be able to launch this vintage is an honour. This unique bottling is a testament to Italian artisanal excellence, and speaks both of the past, honouring one of the greatest Tuscan winemakers of the 20^th century, and of the future, as a true representative of the legendary Biondi-Santi longevity.

“For me, it represents the very essence of our passion for sharing the most outstanding bottles in the world.”

Riserva 2012 is available for purchase for $690.