Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante DOCG 2018
The Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante 2018 by Pian Dell’Orino impressively demonstrates the finesse and depth for which this biodynamic estate is world-renowned.
Multi-layered notes of ripe dark cherries, forest berries and fine herbs, underpinned by subtle earthy nuances and spicy wood.
Palate
Dense and elegant on the palate, carried by a supple, perfectly integrated acidity and fine-grained, silky tannins.
Character
An expressive, profound Sangiovese of uncompromising quality that unites Mediterranean passion with meticulous dedication.
Pairing
Excellent with braised beef roast, braised venison or mature Pecorino.
Notes
Biodynamically certified Sangiovese from the Cancello Rosso, Scopeta and Pian Bassolino vineyards at 320 to 390 metres, aged for 42 months in two large oak casks; from the estate directly next to Biondi-Santi, where one vine yields a maximum of one bottle. Wine Advocate 96, Jeb Dunnuck 96, Vinous 95+.
Tasting note
Character
An aristocratic, immensely multi-layered red wine of timeless elegance. In 2013, Antonio Galloni ranked the estate among the very best in Montalcino in The Wine Advocate. This Brunello, awarded 96 points by both The Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, combines meticulous precision with the deep passion of Tuscany: in the glass it reveals a sinewy, taut structure, luminous Sangiovese fruit and that uncompromising clarity which can only arise from absolute transparency and hands-on work close to nature.
Terroir & Origin
The estate lies in the immediate vicinity of the historic Biondi-Santi property. For the Vigneti del Versante 2018, the grapes came from Cancello Rosso and Scopeta near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, harvested on 17 September, and from Pian Bassolino, harvested on 19 September, at altitudes between 320 and 390 metres. The soils range from the terra rossa in Cancello Rosso via marl and flysch to the highly clay-rich limestone of Scopeta; Jan Erbach and Caroline Pobitzer mapped their vineyards themselves.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Pure Sangiovese Grosso, farmed biodynamically; the estate is organically certified by ICEA and, according to its own information, biodynamically certified by AgriBio. Yields are uncompromisingly low – one vine produces no more than a single bottle of wine; in 2018 this amounted to 24.4 hectolitres per hectare. Work follows the Maria Thun calendar, using teas made from nettle, horsetail and yarrow. In the cellar, the wine fermented spontaneously for 16 days in wooden vats, remained on the skins for almost seven weeks and matured for 42 months in two wooden casks of 31 and 30.5 hectolitres; it was bottled unfiltered on 13 April 2022.
Food Pairings
This structure-driven Brunello is an outstanding match for Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised wild boar ragù or long-aged Pecorino Toscano. It also makes a striking impression alongside traditional braised dishes such as Ossobuco.
