Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante 2015

Region and Vineyards

The Pian dell'Orino estate is nestled in Montalcino, Tuscany, on the south-eastern slope of the appellation, where Sangiovese finds optimal expression in a complex interplay of altitude, soil, and exposure. The 2015 Vigneti del Versante is sourced from three vineyard parcels—Pian dell'Orino, Cancello Rosso, and Pian Bassolino—each contributing distinct nuances from different geological origins.

These vineyards are planted on sedimentary soils primarily composed of calcareous clays, marl, and weathered flysch, some with volcanic inclusions. This soil diversity, originating at the boundary between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, fosters wines of mineral tension and structural finesse. With southeast-facing slopes and steady ventilation from north and southwest winds, the vines enjoy balanced hydric conditions and low disease pressure, critical for achieving phenolic maturity without overripeness. The 2015 growing season was notably harmonious, offering an ideal ripening arc and impeccable fruit health.

Winemaking

This wine is a monovarietal Sangiovese, grown under biodynamic practices and harvested manually at full physiological ripeness between September 19th and 27th. Yields were intentionally low (36 dz/ha or 27.5 hL/ha) to preserve concentration and precision.

The fermentation occurred spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, lasting 30 days on skins, with gentle extraction to preserve aromatic purity and fine tannins. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 42 months in large Stockinger oak casks (ranging from 12 to 25 hL), followed by an additional 10 months in bottle before release. No filtration or clarification was performed, respecting the natural texture and complexity of the wine. This extended élevage supports the estate's vision of Brunello as a slow wine of energy and place.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, luminous ruby with garnet reflections indicative of refined evolution.
• Aroma: High-toned and expressive, with layered notes of wild cherry, dried violets, orange zest, anise, and sweet tobacco, interwoven with crushed rock and forest undergrowth.
• Palate: Medium-bodied yet persistent, with crystalline purity and tightly knit tannins. Flavors of pomegranate, red currant, dried herbs, and blood orange unfold with impressive verticality and freshness, leading to a long, savory finish marked by saline minerality and umami tension.

Did you know?

The Vigneti del Versante is named not after a specific single vineyard, but after the collective "versante" or slope of Montalcino's southeast face. Pian dell'Orino's parcel-based vinification captures the geological mosaic of this slope with scientific precision. The 2015 vintage was so balanced that it required minimal intervention—winemaker Jan Erbach described it as a "year in which nature smiled on both the vine and the grower."

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Wild boar ragù with pappardelle: The wine's tannins and acidity balance the richness of the meat and complement the umami intensity.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: Earthy flavors resonate with the wine's forest floor and truffle notes.
• Grilled duck breast with juniper glaze: The red fruit and spice in the wine highlight the gamey character and sweet-savory glaze.
• Aged pecorino Toscano: The firm texture and sharpness of the cheese contrast beautifully with the wine's elegance and structure.

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.