Ongoing conflict in the Tuscan wine dynasty Biondi Santi

Jacopo Biondi Santi, grandson of Ferrucio Biondi Santi, the man who is called the founder of Brunello di Montalcino, left his family and his father's business on a bad note in 1991 in order to follow his own wine philosophy. "It is not clear whether this split was due to a personal father-son conflict or whether the father was not ready to modernize his business", says Margaret Rand, co-author at the Decanter, after her interview with Jacopo (complete article can be found in the latest Decanter).

Jacopo states in his interview that his father was jealous of his success with his Cuvées Sassoaloro, Schidione and Rivolo."It was obvious that he was jelaous because I invented blends with a new name, while he only wanted to hold up traditions - he never wanted to bring out anything new".

The long and very personal interview also included Jacopo Biondi's 21-year-old daughter Clio. The granddaughter of Franco Biondi Santi sees the family conflict as a result of various complexities throughout the family. She talked about her personal relationship with her grandfather and admits that she understands him more than her father could at this point, even after the long separation. "Yes, he is very tough, but his heart is in the right place", says Clio and points out that her grandfather and father have more in common than they want to admit.

It seems as though there is still a long way to go in Casa de Biondi Santi, which is also called "Tenuta Greppo". If nothing else, Jacopo Biondi Santi is worried about the succession and the heritage of the business, of which he owns 23 percent. "My father has not prepared anything yet", explains Jacopo in the interview. "If he wants to sell the business - fine, I will still be happy because I have created my own wine. But...if he passes away I will have to find a way to come up with the estate tax in the end...". (red.yoopress)