Pian delle Vigne is the Antinori family's Montalcino estate, bought in 1995. It lies south of the town, towards the Val d'Orcia, and takes its name from the characteristic nineteenth-century railway station that stands on the property.
The estate has around 65 hectares of Sangiovese vineyards. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, then the wine ages for about two years in oak casks of various sizes, followed by time in bottle, in keeping with the long ageing Brunello requires.
2015 was a warm, generous vintage in Montalcino that produced rich, appealing Brunellos. In the glass: bright ruby, ripe cherry, tobacco and spice; the palate is harmonious and fine, with soft, silky tannins and lovely freshness on the finish. It is now at a stage where the fruit begins to make way for more evolved notes. With roasts, wild boar, pici with ragù and aged pecorino.
At a glance: Sangiovese Grosso 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Antinori, Montalcino (SI)