Antinori's Benchmark Brunello

Made by the renown Antinori family, who has over 600 years of winemaking experience, Pian delle Vigne is an extraordinary and refined expression of Brunello di Montalcino. The wines are aged in large casks so the Sangiovese grapes can preserve their integrity and produce vibrant and elegant wines.

2019 was described as an easy vintage by many producers. Due to cooler temperature, the wines are pure with crunchy fruits. Many winemakers think this will be a historical vintage and are comparing it to 2016. Secure your stock now.

Brunello Pian dell Vigne’s Story

The estate was acquired by the Antinori family in 1995 with the first Brunello Pian delle Vigne harvested that same year. Named after a characteristic nineteenth century railway station located in the area, Pian delle Vigne is Marchesi Antinori’s deeply personal interpretation of a prestigious and traditional style of Brunello di Montalcino.

Vineyards & Winemaking

The Pian delle Vigne estate is located six kilometres (3.5 miles) southwest of Montalcino. Pian delle Vigne stretches out over an area of 184 hectares (454 acres) of which 65 hectares (160 acres) are planted with vineyards that grow at an altitude of approximately 130 meters (426 feet) above sea level and enjoy a southwestern exposure. Soil composition is essentially clay, calcareous and rich in very fine gravel.

Harvested grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed, gently crushed and transferred into stainless steel vats where alcoholic fermentation occurred. Maceration on the skins took place over a period of approximately 12 days at a controlled temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to oak barrels of varying capacities, between 30 hl and 80 hl, and aged for two years. Pian delle Vigne was then bottled and aged for a lengthy period before being released.

2019 - The Growing Season

The 2019 is being already being hailed as an exceptional vintage. The first half of spring opened with higher-than-average temperatures while the second half ushered in cool, dry weather. The month of May brought repeated rain showers that slightly delayed vegetative growth but guaranteed excellent groundwater reserves in the vineyards. The summer months were hot, but the area around Pian delle Vigne was not affected by extreme heat spikes, instead the area enjoyed well-distributed rainfall and optimal temperature swings between day/night that created ideal conditions for Sangiovese berries to reach peak maturity. The grape harvest began on September 20th and was completed the first week of October

The Scores

Sweet black cherries with some blackberries, as well as cherry blossom in both the nose and palate. Medium to full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish, but it will soften and come together nicely with bottle age. Try after 2025. - 94 points James Suckling

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a dark and brooding bouquet that mixes plum sauce with dark chocolate and espresso beans. This blends velvety textures with ripe red and black fruits all over a core of juicy acidity while maintaining a lifted and energetic feel. The 2019 finishes structured and long yet still relatively fresh. Orange-tinged blackberry and savory herbs linger. I am very impressed by the palate performance and tannin management of the 2019, yet I wish the winery would push for an equally fresh display on the nose. That said, fans of the Pian delle Vigne style will love the energy in this wine. - 93 pts, Eric Guido, Vinous