Pian dell’Orino

Pian dell’Orino is the lifelong project of Caroline Pobitzer (originally from South Tyrol) and Jan-Hendrik Erbach (from Karlsruhe), who studied at the Geisenheim Academy. With enormous passion they make the highest quality wine, by dealing with the landscape and the grapes they get to work with, with the utmost precision and respect.

Pian dell’Orino consists of six hectares of vineyards, planted on one of the most beautiful plots in Montalcino.

After an in-depth analysis of the climate, soil conditions, zone exposure and plant material (local sub-varieties of Sangiovese Grosso), Jan and Caroline divided their vineyards into different zones. Each zone represents its vision in the best possible way. The definition of the ‘Pian dell’Orino’ style is formed by the combination of their years of experience in Montalcino with the specific characteristics of the landscape that has formed over millions of years. In the cellar, it is then a matter of guidance of a natural process that must follow after harvesting the highest quality grapes, each with the specific character of the zone the grapes are from.

The vines (Sangiovese Grosso) have never been exposed to any form of herbicide, pesticide or fertiliser. The immune system of the plants is supported in a biodynamic way. Various (also aromatic) grasses have been planted in the vineyards for a natural balance and a healthy soil structure. All the work is done by hand, selected grape by grape, and the maximum yield per plant is just a single bottle.

In the cellar of Pian dell’Orino, the fermentation takes place spontaneously, with the grape’s own yeasts. No further additives are required, and the absolute minimum of sulphite is used to protect the wine.

The wines, whether it be the exquisite Rosso di Montalcino made to drink immediately, or the classic and incredibly fine Brunello di Montalcino, are among the most elegant and complex wines to be found in Montalcino.