Pian dell'Orino
Summary
Pian dell'Orino is a boutique Brunello producer established in the mid-1990s by Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Erbach, cultivating 8-10 hectares of predominantly Sangiovese vineyards in Montalcino's southeastern zone, where galestro and alberese soils contribute complexity to their wines. This husband-and-wife team maintains hands-on involvement in all aspects of production, employing certified biodynamic practices, indigenous yeast fermentations, and traditional aging in large Slavonian oak casks to express their terroir authentically.
Heritage & Leadership
Pian dell'Orino was established in the mid-1990s, with founding activities beginning around 1996-1997 in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. The boutique winery was founded by Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Erbach, who remain the current owners and operators of the estate. Their initial property acquisition was located near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, in the southeastern sector of the Montalcino appellation, an area known for its distinctive terroir expression.
Jan Erbach serves as the winemaker and vineyard manager, overseeing all aspects of wine production at the estate. Together with Caroline Pobitzer, they maintain direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of the winery, from vineyard management through to winemaking decisions. The couple has maintained their focus on quality over quantity, keeping Pian dell'Orino as a smaller-scale operation rather than pursuing significant expansion.
Vineyards & Wines
Pian dell'Orino's vineyards are situated in the southeastern zone of Montalcino, with parcels located near the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. The estate encompasses approximately 15-20 hectares in total, with about 8-10 hectares dedicated to vineyards. This southeastern location provides distinctive growing conditions that influence the character of their wines.
The vineyard soils feature the classic Tuscan combination of galestro (schistous clay) and alberese (limestone), soil types that are prized for quality viticulture in the region. These soil compositions, along with the varying elevations of their vineyard parcels, contribute to the complexity found in their wines.
Sangiovese is the primary grape variety cultivated at Pian dell'Orino, reflecting the traditional focus of the Montalcino region. Their wine portfolio includes the flagship Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Rosso di Montalcino DOC, both carrying the official appellation designations that verify their adherence to the strict production regulations of these prestigious Tuscan wine classifications.
Philosophy & Practice
Pian dell'Orino follows organic and biodynamic farming principles throughout their vineyard management, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable viticulture. The estate is certified organic, formalizing their dedication to non-chemical farming methods.
Their winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the fruit and terroir to express themselves in the finished wines. This philosophy extends to their fermentation practices, which utilize indigenous/wild yeasts rather than commercial strains. Traditional winemaking methods are evident in their aging protocols, with Brunello wines matured in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) rather than smaller French oak barrels, a choice that allows for gentler oak influence and slower maturation.
Quality-focused practices are employed throughout the production process, including hand harvesting and careful grape selection to ensure only the best fruit makes it into their wines. These meticulous methods, combined with their terroir-driven approach, result in wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of their southeastern Montalcino vineyard sites.