2016 Brunello di Montalcino "Pian delle Vigne" DOCG - Antinori

• 2016 Brunello di Montalcino "Pian delle Vigne" DOCG - Antinori

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Vintage 2015
Content: 0.75lt.
Grapes 100% Sangiovese
Vinification
The first, careful selection of the grapes took place in mid-July (green harvest) and the second at the pre-picking stage. In this way, only the best bunches were brought into the cellar for the production of Pian delle Vigne. The grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed and maceration continued for between 12 to 20 days in 125-hectoliter stainless steel vats. During this time the wine completed alcoholic fermentation at a temperature no higher than 27°C. The wine was then racked into oak barrels, ranging in size from 30 to 80 hectoliters, where, after malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for a further two years.
History
The Pian delle Vigne estate is located 6 km south of Montalcino, above the Val d’Orcia. It takes its name from a typical 19th century railway station located within the estate and still in use. The estate is comprised of 180 hectares, 65 hectares of which are mainly southeast facing vineyards, planted at an altitude of between 130 and 200 m asl. The soil is mainly clay and limestone, rich in small skeletal deposits. Pian delle Vigne’s Brunello di Montalcino is produced only with Sangiovese grapes (known in Montalcino as “Brunello”), according to a meticulous production discipline. The most important regulations govern the production area - the municipality of Montalcino; the grape variety - Sangiovese; the maximum grape yield - 80 quintals per hectare; wine yield from the grape - 68%; minimum ageing in wood - at least two years in oak; minimum ageing in the bottle - at least 4 months (6 months for the “Riserva”); minimum alcohol content - 12% vol; earliest release date – the 1st of January of the fifth year following the harvest (after six years for the “Riserva”).
Taste
Ruby red to garnet color. Aromatic and complex on the nose, with hints of spices, cherries, blackberries, light tobacco and pleasant chocolate undertones. Very full-bodied and broad on the palate, with an intense sweetness, decisive but smooth, elegant tannins and a long, persistent finish.