Pian dell'Orino is one of the shining stars in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is located right next door to the most famous name in Brunello history, Biondi Santi. Pian dell'Orino is one of the top estates in the region and is run by Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Hendrick Erbach, who both co-own the estate and are extremely passionate about producing the highest quality wine in the most harmonious methods possible to protect their environment. Consequently, the estate's six hectares of vines have been farmed completely organically for many years and are now cultivated under biodynamic principles.
Caroline and Jan run Pian dell'Orino with all of the passion for excellence and purity that one would expect from a great estate dedicated to ecological responsibility and sustainable agriculture. However, the quest for a gentle carbon footprint and a wholesome vineyard ecosystem does not take precedence over a quest for great quality in the finished wines, and every step is taken to ensure that the wines of Pian dell'Orino are as fine as can be in every given vintage. In the vineyards of Pian dell'Orino only Sangiovese Grosso is grown, and yields are kept to a very low level, with green harvesting practiced in every vintage to reduce yields to only four bunches per vine. Meticulous oversight in the vineyards during the entire growing season ensures that only the finest quality fruit is still on the vine at the time of harvest, and the harvest is conducted solely by hand. Once the grapes reach the cellar they are treated as lovingly and as naturally as possible, and no modern cellar wizardry such as cultured yeasts, extraction enzymes or added grape must ever utilized, with the wines fermenting on their indigenous yeasts gently and thoroughly before being aged in a combination of barriques and large botti for one to several years prior to bottling, depending on the wine.
100% Sangiovese. Brilliant ruby color. Strawberries, cherries, coffee and tobacco on the nose. The taste is elegant and silky. Suitable for appetizers, main courses, red and white meats, cheeses and stewed vegetables.
"The 2013 Piandorino, the estate's entry-level Sangiovese, is fabulous. Bright, punchy and forward, with plenty of Pian dell'Orino's signature finesse, the 2013 is absolutely delicious today. It should drink nicely for another few years at a minimum." Antonio Galloni 89 points.
