Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino Bassolino di Sopra 2016

Region and Vineyards

The Bassolino di Sopra vineyard lies on the southeastern slope of Montalcino, between 370 and 390 metres above sea level. The site is gently inclined (13°) and faces south-southwest, benefitting from long sunlight exposure and the aerating effects of the Libeccio and Tramontana winds, which sweep through the vines and mitigate disease pressure.

The soil is part of the Santa Fiora geological formation, composed of schistous siltstones, calcareous clays, and easily weathered marls, interspersed with volcanic fragments from nearby Monte Amiata. The substrata, laid down during the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene epochs, endow the wine with striking minerality and aromatic depth. The 2016 vintage posed challenges with above-average rainfall—over 1,080 mm—but a shift in August brought dry, cool conditions and an excellent window for ripening, ultimately yielding healthy and deeply expressive Sangiovese grapes.

Winemaking

Harvested on 23 September 2016, the Sangiovese grapes (from vines planted in 1997) were hand-selected both in the vineyard and on a triage table to retain only perfectly ripe berries. The must underwent spontaneous fermentation without added sulphur, finishing after 21 days at a peak temperature of 30.5°C. The full skin contact lasted six weeks, allowing nuanced extraction of phenolics and aromatics.

The wine then matured for 46 months in a single 12.5 hL oak cask, with malolactic fermentation occurring naturally post-fermentation in the same vessel. Pian dell'Orino adheres strictly to natural vinification methods: no selected yeasts, enzymes, or additives are used, and the wine is bottled unfiltered. In November 2020, just 1,028 bottles (750 ml) and a small number of large formats were released, underscoring the rarity and artisanal scale of this cuvée.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with intense purple tones; impressive density with a color intensity of 8.1.
• Aroma: Layered bouquet of black cherry, dried rose, wild herbs, forest floor, and flint. Hints of graphite, lavender, and citrus peel add lift and complexity.
• Palate: Taut and mineral-driven, with ripe red and dark fruit supported by chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Linear and focused, the wine finishes with superb persistence and aromatic clarity.

Did you know?

Pian dell'Orino not only cultivates its vines biodynamically, but also eschews all technological additives in the cellar, adhering to a low-intervention philosophy. The estate is certified both organic and biodynamic, and their meticulous work extends to individual berry selection—a level of precision more commonly seen in Grand Cru Burgundy than in Tuscany.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Tagliata di manzo with porcini mushrooms: The umami and herbal lift of the dish pair beautifully with the wine's earthy depth and aromatics.
• Venison stew with juniper and bay: The wine's structure and wild herb character reflect and elevate gamey richness.
• Lamb shoulder slow-roasted with garlic and rosemary: A classic harmony of tannin, savory intensity, and aromatic synergy.
• Truffle pecorino: The mineral tension and acidity cut through the richness while amplifying truffle 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.