Antinori - Pian Delle Vigne : Brunello di Montalcino 2016

A complex and elegant Brunello di Montalcino wine

The estate

Owned by the Antinori family since 1995, Pian Della Vigne is located 6km south of Montalcino, aboive the Orcia river ; 40km from Sienna in Tuscany, Italy. The estate’s name comes from the old 19th century railway station that is right in the middle of the estate and still used. The wines of the Antinori – Pian Della Vigne are renowned for their aromatic intensity, great minerality typical of their terroir and the elegance of their tannins, which only improve in quality as time goes on.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Pian Delle Vigne covers 184 hectares, 65 of which are vineyards, with the rest divided into olive groves and woods. The vineyard of this reference among the great Tuscan wines, is entirely dedicated to Sangiovese, the star black grape variety known as Brunello in this area of Tuscany. The vines are planted on clay-limestone soils, at an altitude of between 130 and 250 metres above sea level, with excellent south-east exposure.

The vintage

A mild and dry start to the year advanced early budburst and flowering. The summer was slightly cooler than in 2015. The cool and humid conditions in September were ideal for refining the ripening process.

Winemaking and ageing

After the harvest, the grapes were taken to the cellar where they were destemmed, gently crushed and transferred to stainless steel tanks to begin the alcoholic fermentation. Maceration of the skins took place over a period of approximately 15 days at a controlled temperature of 28 degrees. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to oak barrels of varying sizes, between 30 and 80 hectolitres, for a period of two years. Finally, the wine was bottled and then aged for a long period before being released on the market.

Blend

Sangiovese (100%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Brunello di Montalcino 2016 from Antinori - Pian Delle Vigne

Tasting

Colour
The wine has an intense ruby colour.

Nose
The nose mingles fruity (ripe red fruit, cherry) and floral scents with delicious notes of chocolate, tobacco, clove and balsamic herbs.

Palate
Delicate and elegant, the palate entices with its freshness, its supple tannins and its tobacco and spice scents.