Pian dell'Orino Rosso di Montalcino 2020

Region and Vineyards

This Rosso di Montalcino originates from various parcels located between 320 and 500 metres above sea level, all within the Montalcino appellation. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and reflect a complex geological makeup typical of the area, ranging from siltstones and calcareous marls to weathered clays and sandstones, including traces of volcanic origin from Monte Amiata.

The diverse soils and elevations contribute to a lively aromatic profile and fine-grained tannins, supported by cool night-time temperatures that preserve acidity. While Rosso is often considered a younger sibling to Brunello, at Pian dell'Orino, it is treated with equal precision, expressing the immediacy of the terroir without compromising on depth or authenticity.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage presented a balanced growing season, with steady warmth and adequate rainfall, leading to optimal physiological ripeness. Grapes were harvested and sorted manually, followed by spontaneous fermentation without the use of sulphur or artificial additives. Fermentation occurred in oak vats, with careful extraction to maintain fruit purity and freshness.

Following alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in large oak casks for 22 months, allowing it to stabilize naturally. Pian dell'Orino's low-intervention philosophy ensures that each Rosso reflects the integrity of the vintage, with minimal handling and no fining or filtration, highlighting the varietal character of Sangiovese.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with youthful violet reflections and medium concentration.
• Aroma: Fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, and a touch of liquorice, supported by subtle earth and spice tones.
• Palate: Juicy and linear, with crisp acidity, silky tannins, and a red-fruited core. Notes of citrus zest and iron minerality linger on a vibrant, lifted finish.

Did you know?

Although often overshadowed by Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino is increasingly appreciated by sommeliers and collectors alike for its vivid expression of terroir and earlier accessibility. At Pian dell'Orino, the Rosso is not a by-product, but rather a carefully composed wine from designated plots that offer purity, clarity, and finesse in youth—echoing the domaine's Burgundian influence.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Tomato-basil gnocchi: The fresh acidity and red fruit notes match the tang of tomato and herbal brightness.
• Grilled pork tenderloin with fennel: The wine's spice and juiciness complement the sweetness of pork and fennel's anise tones.
• Porchetta sandwich: A casual yet flavorful match for the Rosso's structure and savory undertones.
• Semi-aged Tuscan pecorino: The cheese's saltiness and umami resonate with the wine's mineral grip and vibrant acidity.

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.