Yesterday I was informed by several of our mutual friends that ’the Dottore’ passed away.Yesterday I was informed by several of our mutual friends that ’the Dottore’ passed away.

What can I say? Which words can express what his family, his friends and his staff feel; what I feel?

For the first time this year, the sun was shining abundantly in the Netherlands and we could cherish it’s warm glory all day. A magnificent day till the moment we received the news. And yet, the sun kept sharing it’s power and glory.

This made me realize what Franco meant to me and how he will remain in my memory forever.  His never lasting strength, passion, kindness, energy and warmth.

He will be remembered by many as an important person, a protagonist and living legend, but to me, he was even more. We shared great moments, not just during or because of tasting some amazing wines and not always without difficult personal tragedies. But no matter what or where, we always found a way to make us smile.

I remember his face enjoying some Dutch chocolate or other specialties and the way he was shining when I introduced him to my son Nicky and some of my dear female friends .  I have vivid memories of him performing in Brussels at a fair many years ago, at a magnificent tasting-dinner at The Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam and many other occasions.

Some years ago he asked me to call him Franco and I embraced him and our friendship. In 2006, this friendship was sealed by one of his Maremmano puppies.  Franco let me have one and this puppy, Mara, grew up as one of the most beautiful and lovable dog I ever met with an amazing majestic stature, kind character and strong will. Some time ago, she passed away too, also leaving a void, but (and more important) leaving the most wonderful memories.

Franco Biondi-Santi became one on the most important persons in my life. His vision, his persistence, his energy, his love and life inspired me in many ways.

I will never forget what he meant to his family, the people he worked with, to Montalcino, to Brunello and to me personally.

I wish everyone strength these days and just wanted to express my respect for him and everyone around him. Right now, sadness may cover our feelings, but I’m sure that we be able to smile again soon and feel the pride and joy of being able to live, work en be with him.

May he rest in peace and live forever in the hearts and memories of many. I will never forget him, what he meant to me and what he achieved.  I’m honoured and glad that some of my respect for him will reflect in an upcoming article on myself and wines that mean so much to me.  Of course,  it will feature one of Franco’s wines; telling it’s story, his history and his future…..   

With warmest regards and greatest respect

Fred F.A. Nijhuis

What can I say? Which words can express what his family, his friends and his staff feel; what I feel?

For the first time this year, the sun was shining abundantly in the Netherlands and we could cherish it’s warm glory all day. A magnificent day till the moment we received the news. And yet, the sun kept sharing it’s power and glory.

This made me realize what Franco meant to me and how he will remain in my memory forever.  His never lasting strength, passion, kindness, energy and warmth.

He will be remembered by many as an important person, a protagonist and living legend, but to me he was even more. We shared great moments, not just during or because of tasting some amazing wines and not always without difficult personal tragedies. But no matter what or where, we always found a way to make us smile.

 I remember his face enjoying some Dutch chocolate or other specialties and the way he was shining when I introduced him to my son Nicky and some of my dear female friends (he always complimented me on my excellent taste).  I have vivid memories of him performing in Brussels at a fair many years ago, at a magnificent tasting-dinner at The Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam and many other occasions. I’ve also seen Franco in less good days, struggling with his health/age and the difficult relationship with his son. There used to be a magnificent tree in the garden with two huge branches (more like trunks). One day the pressure was to big and the tree split’, to me symbolic.
                                                         

Some years ago he asked me to call him Franco and I embraced him and our friendship. In 2006, this friendship was sealed by one of his Maremmano puppies.  Franco let me have one and this puppy, Mara, grew up to be one of the most beautiful and lovable dog I ever met, with an amazing majestic stature, kind character and strong will. Some time ago, she passed away too, also leaving a void, but (and more important) also leaving the most wonderful memories.

Franco Biondi-Santi became one on the most important persons in my life. His vision, his persistence, his energy, his humour, his love and life inspired me in many ways. The way he talked about his wines, the legend & the legacy of Il Greppo, his family, including his 60st wedding anniversary in 2009. He opened a bottle of the 1891 to celebrate that special occasion with his wife Maria Floria (Boba). Priceless moments.     

So many reasons why I will never forget what he meant to his family, the people he worked with, to Montalcino, to Brunello and to me personally.  I am grateful for every moment I shared with him, but do regret the fact that we won’t be able to share a glass of one of his wines at his 100th birthday as we planned a few years ago. One day in 2009 we were talking about the magnificent aging potential of his wines and how many years it would take a specific wine to reach it’s peak. He mentioned another 10-15 years, so we agreed to drink it again, some time in the future. Franco showed me his brand new iPhone, bragged about all the gadgets including a calender and as I pulled out mine, we decided to plan a special moment, with special people and with that special wine. With big smiles on our faces, the date was set for 2022 at his 100th birthday. It is still in my iPhone and hope to able to drink one of his wines in his honour in 2022; without him personally, but with him in my thoughts.

I wish everyone strength these days and just wanted to express my respect for him and everyone around him. Right now, sadness may cover our feelings, but I’m sure that we be able to smile again soon and feel the pride and joy of being able to live, work en be with him.

May he rest in peace and live forever in the hearts and memories of many. I will never forget him, what he meant to me and what he achieved.  I’m honoured and glad that some of my respect for him will reflect in an upcoming article on myself and wines that mean so much to me.  Of course,  it will feature one of Franco’s wines; telling it’s story, his history and his future…..   

With warmest regards and greatest respect

Fred F.A. Nijhuis