Who owns Biondi Santi?

Answered by Nicholas Phillips

Biondi Santi, a renowned winery in Tuscany, Italy, is currently owned by the French group Epi, headed by Christopher Descours. This ownership change came about after a series of transitions within the Biondi Santi family. It all started in mid-2019 when Jacopo Biondi Santi, a key figure in the winery's history, decided to part ways with his ancestral estate.

The departure of Jacopo Biondi Santi marked a significant shift for the winery, as he had been instrumental in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Biondi Santi wines. His dedication and expertise had helped establish Biondi Santi as one of the most respected and sought-after producers in the world. However, with his departure, the future of the winery became uncertain.

Following Jacopo's exit, the ownership of Biondi Santi underwent further changes in June 2020. Tancredi Biondi Santi, Jacopo's son and a representative of the family's long-standing winemaking tradition, was bought out by Epi, the French group led by Christopher Descours.

This acquisition by Epi marked a turning point for Biondi Santi, as it brought in a new era of ownership and management. With the Biondi Santi family no longer involved in the winery, the responsibility of carrying on the legacy and maintaining the high standards of quality fell into the hands of Epi.

Epi, under the leadership of Christopher Descours, has a diverse portfolio of luxury brands and is known for its commitment to preserving and promoting the heritage of its acquisitions. By acquiring Biondi Santi, Epi has demonstrated its belief in the winery's potential and its dedication to upholding its esteemed reputation.

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate wines from various regions around the world. Biondi Santi's Brunello di Montalcino is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and exceptional wines I have come across. Its rich history, meticulous winemaking process, and distinct expression of the Sangiovese grape make it a true masterpiece.

The change in ownership of Biondi Santi raises questions about the future direction of the winery. Will Epi continue to prioritize the traditional winemaking methods and philosophies that have made Biondi Santi so revered? Or will there be a shift towards modernization and innovation?

Only time will reveal the path that Biondi Santi will take under the ownership of Epi. However, what remains certain is that the legacy of Biondi Santi will continue to captivate wine enthusiasts around the world, and the wines will continue to reflect the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Montalcino.