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Located in the historic Sesta zone between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Piancornello rests on a sunlit plateau overlooking the Val d’Orcia, with Mount Amiata rising in the distance. Covering approximately 20 hectares, the estate enjoys a Mediterranean microclimate marked by steep, rocky hillsides and sea breezes that temper the summer heat—conditions that make this area one of Montalcino’s most prized subzones for Sangiovese.

These natural advantages allow for organic viticulture and the crafting of wines that are authentic, elegant, and generous, each deeply expressive of their terroir. Piancornello farms around 10 hectares of vineyards, with vine ages between 10 and 20 years—including 4 hectares of Brunello di Montalcino, 3 of Rosso di Montalcino, and 3 of Sant’Antimo.

The south-facing vineyards, planted between 200–250 meters, feature Sangiovese clones carefully chosen for their ability to thrive in rocky alluvial soils of pebbles and sand, and withstand the area’s dry, warm summers. The cooling Mediterranean influence allows an early harvest, often before autumn rains, ensuring fruit of precision and purity. All grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to preserve quality.

The 2019 vintage is a standout expression of this philosophy—a near-perfect growing season that combined balance, freshness, and slow, even ripening. The mild spring and warm, consistent summer led to optimal phenolic maturity, while cool nights preserved acidity and aromatics. The resulting 2019 Piancornello Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of vibrant energy and refined power, offering layers of red cherry, wild herbs, and spice, framed by fine, polished tannins and a long, mineral finish. It reflects both the precision of the estate’s organic practices and the soulful depth of Sesta’s terroir.

As Antonio Galloni of Vinous notes, “One of my favorite under-the-radar estates in Montalcino.”

A minimum aging of 24 months in oak barrels is followed by at least 4 months of
aging in bottles

100% Sangiovese

Intense ruby red with a garnet hue. The nose opens to notes of red and black berries, spices, and herbs. The palate is full-bodied and fruity, with a consistent, dense and perfectly balanced tannin, followed by balsamic notes and a long, harmonious and gradual finish.

Rich in matter and well protected in the main matrix thanks to the slightly reductive character, it shows notes of black and red plums, strawberries, lemon peel, tangerine peel, and cut ginger. Full body, perfectly ripe tannins of splendid shape and quality, and a truly enveloping and direct finish that excites from the first sip. Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best expressions ever produced by Piancornello. ~ 96 WinesCritic.com

Black cherries and plums with hints of mocha, licorice, and reduced balsamic on the nose. So bright and focused on the palate, with a medium to full body and very fine yet tight and chewy tannins framing its core of succulent fruit. It’s nervy and energetic with excellent balance and length. Structured. At the 2015 level of quality. Try from 2027. ~ 95 James Suckling

Youthfully intense, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino entices with a dusty blend of dried black cherries, incense, dark chocolate, and spice. This floods the palate with soft, enveloping textures and ripe red and blue fruits as violet inner florals resonate and fine tannins slowly collect toward the close. It’s incredibly long and potent, with a staining of primary concentration that lingers on as cedar and a bitter twang of tart cranberry fade slowly. Piancornello is back to form in the 2019 vintage. Nicely done. ~ 93 Vinous Media

The nose is wistful and comforting, with aromas of dried cherries, rose petals, old leather, crushed rocks, soil, and wild fennel. Plums and fresh cherries brighten the palate, although a pinch of salt and pepper accentuates an enduring earthiness. Tannins are firm and toothy, but approachable, like a wild animal that has learned to trust. ~ 92 Wine Enthusiast

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