Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante 2019

Pian dell’Orino is considered one of the purest and most meticulous producers of Brunello di Montalcino. The estate was founded by a couple— a German-trained enologist and an expert in biodynamics and is run entirely according to strict biodynamic principles, going far beyond standard organic practices to focus intensely on soil health and working in rhythm with natural cycles. This is a paramount philosophy as they see this as fundamental to their style, believing the purest expression of the Sangiovese Grosso grape can only be achieved by letting the terroir speak without interference. This commitment to detail, from the health of the earth to minimal intervention in the cellar, results in wines that are renowned for their clarity and authenticity.

In terms of style, the wines of Pian dell’Orino are celebrated for their finesse rather than brute strength, which sets them apart from some of the more muscular, modern Brunellos. They age their wines in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks (botti), ensuring the focus remains on the Sangiovese fruit, which expresses vibrant red cherry, floral, and earthy notes. The finished wines possess an incredible aromatic lift, vibrant acidity, and silky, well-integrated tannins that promise decades of graceful aging.

“Situated next to the historic Biondi Santi, Jan Hendrik Erbach and his wife Caroline have been consistently raising the bar and making some of the most exceptional wines of the region. As noted at the beginning of the report, the wines are held back an additional year or more, depending on when Jan feels the wines are ready to be released. They work biodynamically in the vineyard and make adjustments with regard to production, only permitting what they feel is the best expression of their property to go into the final wines. Each of the wines for this report were tasted at the estate in Montalcino.”-Jeb Dunnuck