What kind of wine is Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino is an elegant and profound Tuscan red wine, made from 100% Sangiovese grapes sourced from the Scopeta vineyards, planted in 2005 and located around the municipality of Montalcino. Here, thanks to the altitude and optimal sun exposure, the grapes reach perfect ripeness, producing a Brunello of remarkable harmony and structure. It is a full-bodied yet always balanced wine, where freshness and complexity coexist in equilibrium, an authentic expression of the Pian dell’Orino terroir.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by hot and dry weather, which favored an early ripening of the grapes. However, careful vineyard management and canopy control allowed for healthy and concentrated bunches. The result is an intense Brunello, with a decisive yet never excessive character, featuring ripe fruity notes and perfectly integrated tannins.Vinification and Aging
The grapes are rigorously hand-picked to select only the best bunches. Fermentation is spontaneous, thanks to indigenous yeasts already present on the skins, and takes place at a controlled temperature. Maceration lasts about 20 days, during which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color and substance. Aging continues for 42 months in large oak barrels of 12.5 hectoliters, a fundamental step to give the wine elegance and depth, smoothing the tannins and enriching the bouquet with refined tertiary notes.Tasting Notes
Color
It presents a deep ruby red color, tending slightly towards garnet with evolution in the bottle—a distinctive sign of great Brunello. The brightness of the color reveals the wine's freshness and vitality.Nose
The aroma is complex and ever-changing: notes of ripe cherry and plum give way to hints of sweet spices, tobacco, undergrowth, and a slight balsamic touch. A broad fragrance that reflects the typicality of Sangiovese grown in Montalcino.Palate
On the palate, it is elegant and profound, with a significant structure but perfectly balanced by freshness. The tannins – natural substances that determine the sensation of astringency – are fine and harmonious, contributing to a great persistence of flavor. It finishes with notes of red fruit and spices, with a long and enveloping finish.Food Pairings for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino
This Brunello pairs excellently with rich and structured dishes from Italian tradition. It is perfect with:- Grilled or roasted red meats
- Braised and stewed beef
- Game and substantial roasts
- Aged cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino or Parmigiano
Storage and Aging: How to store Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino is a wine made to last. If stored correctly, it can evolve for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and nuanced aromas. For optimal storage:- Keep the bottle in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist and sealing.
- Store in a cool environment, at a constant temperature between 14°C and 16°C.
- Avoid direct light and vibrations.
Pian dell'Orino
The history of the Pian dell'Orino winery The Pian dell'Orino winery represents a perfect balance of tradition, heritage, and innovation. Founded in one of Italy's most prestigious wine regions, Tuscany, the winery has managed to keep local winemaking traditions alive while embracing modern techn...
How to best open and serve Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino, it is advisable to leave the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows any natural sediments to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing with the wine during opening and serving.
2. Ideal serving temperature
To fully enjoy its complex aromatic profile, the wine should be served at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. If the bottle is stored in a cooler cellar, it should be allowed to rest at room temperature for an hour before serving. Avoid heating the wine too quickly, as this could alter its balance.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or double-action corkscrew for safe and clean extraction. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule just below the neck ring of the bottle.
- Clean the rim of the neck with a clean cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork and turn it slowly.
- Gently remove the cork, avoiding abrupt movements.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, check the cork: it should be intact and slightly damp on the part in contact with the wine. Pour a small amount of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino into a glass to check its clarity and aroma. If the wine shows a slight reduction (closed or dull odors), this is completely normal for an aged Brunello and will correct itself with proper oxygenation.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Decanting is essential for a wine of this structure and complexity. Perform it calmly following these tips:
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and steady.
- Stop decanting at the first sign of sediment in the neck.
- Let the wine rest in the decanter for 1-2 hours before serving, depending on the evolution of the bouquet.
This allows the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino to open up completely, revealing notes of ripe red fruit, spices, and balsamic hints typical of the Tuscan terroir.
6. Serving
Use large, structured red wine glasses, ideal for a Brunello of this caliber. Pour the wine up to about one-third of the glass, to allow for proper oxygenation. During tasting, observe the color, bring the nose to the glass to perceive the aromatic notes, and then taste slowly, allowing the flavors to develop on the palate.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with its cork or an airtight closure system. Store the wine in a cool, dark place, avoiding sudden temperature changes. The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Vigneti del Versante' 2017 - Pian dell'Orino can maintain its characteristics for 2-3 days after opening, if well sealed and stored.