Pian Delle Vigne estate is located 6 kilometers (3.5 miles) southwest of Montalcino. Its name comes from the eponymous area where a characteristic nineteenth century railway station is located. The property consists of 460 total acres (184 hectares), 160 of which (65 hectares) are planted to vines with generally a south-western exposure at an altitude of 430 feet (130 meters) above sea level. The estate, since the very beginning, has followed a philosophy based on aging in large casks capable of preserving the exceptional integrity and fruit of the Sangiovese grapes and endow this Brunello with a characteristic vibrant elegance. Pian delle Vigne has belonged to the Antinori family since 1995, the the year of the first Pian delle Vigne vintage.

Vinification
Upon their arrival in the cellars, the grapes were destemmed, given a soft pressing and then went into stainless steel tanks where they went through a lengthy fermentation process. The period of skin contact lasted fifteen days and took place at a temperature of 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade). The wine went into 890 and 2100 gallon (3000 and 8000 liter) oak casks where it was put through a complete malolactic fermentation and began its period of oak aging. After over two years, the Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino left its casks to then go through a lengthy period of bottle aging before commercial release.

Tasting Notes
The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color, and the nose is characterized by red fruit along with hints of tobacco and such spices as vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The palate is distinguished by balance and finesse: soft and silky tannins, the characteristics of this vintage, sustained by an excellent freshness, capable of adding elegance and flavor grace.