Pian dell'Orino Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante 2016

Region and Vineyards

This wine originates from the southeastern part of Montalcino, specifically from the Cancello Rosso and lower section of Pian Bassolino vineyards. Located at around 350 metres above sea level, these plots benefit from cool, ventilated microclimates, influenced by both the Tramontana and Libeccio winds. In 2016, these vineyards faced significant climatic challenges, including intense rainfall (over 1,000 mm), which tested viticultural resilience. However, a dramatic shift in August, with the arrival of continental air, cleared the skies and contributed to a pristine ripening window.

The soils are sedimentary in origin, composed of calcareous clay, weathered marl, flysch, and Alberese sandstone, with traces of volcanic materials from Monte Amiata. This complex terroir lends the wine an aromatic profile marked by spice, minerality, and fine tannic grain. Particularly, the sandier textures of Cancello Rosso favor the development of nutty and herbal notes in the finished wine.

Winemaking

Vinification was conducted with scrupulous manual grape selection. After sorting, fermentation began spontaneously within one day, with temperatures peaking at 32 °C. Alcoholic fermentation lasted 21 days, followed by 20 additional days of maceration on skins. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation naturally in the fermentation vat.

The aging regimen consisted of 48 months in large Stockinger oak barrels—two 25 hL casks and one 12.5 hL—ensuring gentle oxygenation and integration. Bottled in November 2020, without the use of artificial yeasts or additives, this wine remained unfiltered to preserve its authentic expression. The final result reflects Pian dell'Orino's commitment to minimal intervention and maximal terroir fidelity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet hints, vibrant and luminous.
• Aroma: Intense and refined, combining redcurrant, pomegranate, and sour cherry with Mediterranean herbs, toasted almond, rose petals, and a touch of flint and balsamic lift.
• Palate: Linear, elegant, and savory. Silky tannins provide structure, while notes of cranberry, blood orange, sandalwood, and mineral earth lead to a long, lifted finish. The 2016 shows remarkable energy and equilibrium, with saline undertones and vertical tension.

Did you know?

Despite the vintage's early difficulties, with over 1,000 mm of rain and high fungal pressure, a sudden climatic reversal in mid-August saved the vintage. The cool, dry air transformed the ripening conditions, allowing for exceptional anthocyanin accumulation and phenolic balance, a rare example of nature's late intervention creating a near-perfect harvest. This climatic twist is often cited by the estate as one of the defining factors of the vintage's brilliance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fennel-crusted pork loin with sage and garlic: Complements the wine's herbal and mineral notes while matching its texture.
• Lamb chops with rosemary and olive tapenade: Sangiovese's acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the herbal depth.
• Pigeon or quail with wild mushrooms: Highlights the earthy and balsamic character of the wine.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino di Pienza: Their umami and salt balance the wine's structure and accentuate its finish.

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.