Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino Bassolino di Sopra 2015

Region and Vineyards

Bassolino di Sopra is a singular vineyard located on the southeastern slopes of Montalcino, an area renowned for producing Brunellos of elegance and verticality. Pian dell'Orino's approach to terroir is rooted in a Burgundian philosophy: crafting wines that mirror microclimatic nuance and geologic identity. The site sits at approximately 420 metres altitude, benefiting from excellent diurnal range and persistent ventilation from both northern and southwesterly winds, key in maintaining grape health.

The vineyard belongs to the Santa Fiora geological formation, characterized by schistous siltstones and inclusions of calcarenite, with pockets of calcareous clay and marl. These complex, sedimentary soils, some dating to the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, yield wines of remarkable aromatic finesse and mineral depth. The southeast-facing vines enjoy ample morning sun and moderated afternoon temperatures, preserving acidity while enabling full phenolic maturity.

Winemaking

This 100% Sangiovese is produced from meticulously selected grapes harvested by hand on 27 September 2015, from a low-yielding plot of just 24.3 hL/ha. The 2015 growing season offered an ideal balance of sunshine and rainfall, with minimal disease pressure and a narrow window of optimum ripeness.

Fermentation occurred spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in upright oak vats. A gentle extraction process was used to respect the finesse of the fruit, followed by a long maceration period. The wine then aged in large Stockinger oak casks (not barriques) for approximately 42 months, allowing for a slow oxygen exchange and integration of tannins without overt wood influence. It was bottled without fining or filtration, in keeping with the estate's commitment to natural expression.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections, showing density and vibrancy.
• Aroma: Ethereal bouquet of red cherry, violet, rose petal, dried herbs, forest floor, and crushed stone. Subtle hints of tea leaf, blood orange, and graphite emerge with aeration.
• Palate: Linear, refined, and tightly coiled in its youth. Red currant and pomegranate fruit interplay with a backbone of saline minerality and chalky tannins. A wine of great transparency, with long persistence and energy.

Did you know?

Pian dell'Orino is one of the rare estates in Montalcino to fully embrace biodynamics with scientific precision. Founded in 1996 by Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Erbach (a German-born winemaker trained in Burgundy), the estate is acclaimed for its uncompromising vineyard care and micro-parcel vinification, with yields often half the appellation average, aiming for purity over power.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pappardelle with wild boar ragù: The dish's richness and savory game notes match the wine's earthy depth and structured tannins.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: The wine's aromatic nuance and umami-friendly minerality make this pairing a natural.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The herbal lift in the wine complements the rosemary, while the tannic frame supports the protein.
• Aged pecorino: The saltiness and firmness of the cheese resonate with the wine's acidity and complexity.

History of Pian dell'Orino

Pian dell'Orino was founded in 1996 by Caroline Pobitzer, an Italian entrepreneur from South Tyrol with deep roots in sustainable agriculture. In 2000, she was joined by Jan Erbach, a German-born winemaker trained in Burgundy and Geisenheim, who became both her partner in life and in the cellar. Together, they transformed the estate into one of Montalcino's most respected and quietly revolutionary producers.

From the outset, the duo envisioned a domaine-style winery that applied Burgundian principles to Tuscan terroir—particularly the idea of vinification parcellaire, or vinifying each plot separately to highlight its unique identity. The estate was one of the first in the region to implement certified biodynamic viticulture, embracing a holistic farming approach based on careful observation of the vines and lunar cycles.

Pian dell'Orino's production is extremely limited, often lower than the Brunello average, with yields kept well below 30 hL/ha. The estate vinifies without selected yeasts, enzymes, or any technological interventions. All wines undergo long ageing in large Stockinger casks, never barriques, to preserve purity and site expression. The estate's philosophy is one of minimal intervention, scientific precision, and poetic intuition, producing wines of rare finesse, energy, and transparency.

Region and Vineyards

Pian dell'Orino cultivates approximately 6 hectares of vineyards, situated between 320 and 500 metres above sea level, across five key parcels in Montalcino. These include the iconic Bassolino di Sopra, located on the southeastern slope of the hill, as well as Pian dell'Orino, Cancello Rosso, Piandorino, and Scopeta. Each plot differs in altitude, exposure, and soil type, allowing for a nuanced range of expressions of Sangiovese.

The soils vary from schistous siltstones and calcareous clays to volcanic composites, particularly those influenced by the ancient Monte Amiata. All plots are farmed biodynamically, with strict attention to biodiversity, soil vitality, and canopy management. Cover crops, composts, and natural preparations are employed to foster balance and resilience in the vineyard.

The region's cooler microclimate and consistent ventilation from the Libeccio and Tramontana winds allow for long ripening periods and naturally balanced acidity. Every vineyard is vinified separately to capture its essence, resulting in a terroir-led portfolio where each wine reflects its origin with remarkable clarity.

Wine Range of Pian dell'Orino

Pian dell'Orino produces a focused selection of wines, all based on 100% Sangiovese:

• Brunello di Montalcino Bassolino di Sopra: A single-vineyard cuvée from schistous soils; powerful, refined, and age-worthy.
• Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante: A blend from the estate's northeastern plots, offering elegance and aromatic purity.
• Rosso di Montalcino: A vibrant, youthful take on Sangiovese from select plots, vinified with the same care as the Brunello.
• Piandorino Toscana IGT: An approachable and fruit-forward expression of younger vines, ideal for early drinking.

Did you know?

Pian dell'Orino's wines are never fined, filtered, or made with added yeasts or enzymes. They also sort every berry by hand, one of the few estates in Italy to do so. This meticulous approach reflects the domaine's ethos: treat each vintage as a living entity, revealing the vineyard's voice with no makeup.