PIAN DELL'ORINO, Montalcino
The philosophy of Pian dell’Orino is driven by the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1827: “You must, in studying Nature, always consider both each single thing and the whole: Nothing is inside, and nothing is outside, for what is within is without. Make haste, then, to grasp this holy, open mystery.”
Jan and Caroline are not natives of Montalcino. Jan hails from Germany, while Caroline is from South Tyrol in Italy, but their attachment to the land is profound. With Goethe’s words as their guiding force, everything at Pian dell’Orino is done with meticulous care and attention. There are 7 vineyard sites in all, planted from 1997 to 2011 and totalling just under 6 ha in size. In-depth analysis has identified three main soil types, each one corresponding to a distinct geological formation. The vineyards have been planted exclusively with Sangiovese, though across their holdings they utilise 22 different clones and 4 different training techniques to perfectly match the soil type, elevation, and exposure.
Biodynamic farming is practiced at Pian dell’Orino following natural energy flows and lunar phases. Preservation of the forest and sowing different types of cover plants to promote biodiversity not only promotes a richer humus content but also improves the soil structure while creating the ideal habitat for insects, reptiles, and many other organisms to thrive. All the products and preparations used are natural and all the work on the vines is carried out by hand with the greatest of care, ensuring only top-quality grapes are harvested.
In the cellar, the grapes are carefully destemmed along with berry for berry hand selection. The same patience is applied to the winemaking, allowing for spontaneous fermentation and close to 4 years maturation in large 10-60hL barrels for the Brunello wines, with a further year in bottle prior to release. The use of sulphur dioxide is minimal, and the vitality of the wine is preserved by forgoing any form of filtration. The winery holds ICEA and Agri Bio certificates.
Pian dell’Orino truly is one of the crown jewels of Tuscany. Eric Guido of Vinous notes the following from a visit in October 2021:
“During my recent visit to Pian dell’Orino, located on the southern hill of Montalcino and practically a stone’s throw from Biondi-Santi, I found myself digging through biodynamic preparations, insect repellant plants, witnessing vine training inspired by ancient Roman texts and tiptoeing through their silent cellar. What this couple is accomplishing in Montalcino seems more evolutionary instead of revolutionary to me. Pian dell’Orino continues to be one of the most progressive and experimental wineries in all Montalcino yet also one of its best.”
