Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from Montalcino, Tuscany, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 93 points from James Suckling, placing it among the most acclaimed recent releases from this storied estate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Producer: Marchesi Antinori

Production & Heritage

Marchesi Antinori, one of Italy's oldest and most influential wine families, produces Pian delle Vigne from an estate situated roughly six kilometers southwest of Montalcino. The 2017 vintage spent 12 days on skins during fermentation before being transferred to large oak casks ranging from 30 to 80 hectoliters for 24 months of aging. This deliberate use of large-format cooperage reflects the estate's philosophy of preserving the natural integrity and vibrancy of Sangiovese rather than layering on heavy oak influence — an approach that distinguishes Pian delle Vigne from producers favoring smaller barriques.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with salted dark chocolate and Luxardo cherry, then deepens into espresso, dried herbs, and violets. With air, secondary notes of new leather, crushed rocks, and a faint tobacco-like earthiness emerge.

Taste: The entry is full and fruit-driven, with ripe black cherry and crisp berry flavors establishing a rich midpalate. Bitter chocolate, pomegranate-like tang, and savory herbal tones build complexity, all supported by a firm but refined tannic structure. A metallic, mineral edge threads through, lending precision to the generous fruit.

Finish: Long and persistent, trailing bitter chocolate, balsamic nuance, and a hint of licorice. The tannins carry considerable grip without harshness, promising further development in bottle.

How to Drink Pian Delle Vigne 2017

This Brunello is best served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass after 30 to 60 minutes of decanting, which allows the aromatics to fully unfold. Its structure and depth make it a natural partner for rich Italian cuisine, but it also holds up in several classic wine-based preparations:

• Alongside bistecca alla fiorentina — the wine's refined tannins and dark fruit mirror the charred, mineral richness of grilled Chianina beef.
• With wild boar ragù over pappardelle — Sangiovese's acidity cuts through the gamey, fatty sauce while echoing its herbal complexity.
• Paired with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano — the cheese's umami and crystalline texture amplify the wine's savory and mineral dimensions.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Italian wine collector on a milestone occasion
• Cellaring for five to fifteen years to explore how this vintage evolves
• Anchoring a formal Tuscan dinner menu centered on red meat or game
• Side-by-side tasting with other 2017 Brunello or Barolo releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pian Delle Vigne 2017 taste like? It delivers layered dark chocolate, ripe black cherry, and espresso flavors supported by firm, refined tannins and bright acidity. Herbal, leather, and mineral notes add complexity beneath the fruit.

How does Pian Delle Vigne 2017 compare to Barolo? Both Brunello di Montalcino and Barolo are frequently discussed as candidates for Italy's greatest red wine; Brunello uses 100% Sangiovese while Barolo is made from Nebbiolo, which typically shows more pronounced tar, rose, and red-fruit character with more austere tannins in youth. Pian delle Vigne 2017 leans toward darker fruit and chocolate richness with a comparatively approachable tannic texture.

Is Pian Delle Vigne 2017 good for cellaring? Yes — the wine's firm tannin backbone, generous acidity, and concentrated fruit suggest a drinking window extending comfortably through the early-to-mid 2030s, with peak complexity likely emerging after several more years of bottle age.

Where is Pian Delle Vigne made? Pian delle Vigne is produced by Marchesi Antinori at their estate located approximately six kilometers southwest of the town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy. The vineyard sits within the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, one of Italy's most prestigious wine appellations.

What foods pair well with Pian Delle Vigne 2017? Grilled or roasted red meats, especially bistecca alla fiorentina, complement the wine's tannic structure. Wild boar or lamb ragù echoes its herbal and earthy notes. Aged hard cheeses like Pecorino di Pienza or Parmigiano-Reggiano highlight the savory, mineral side. Mushroom risotto or truffle-based dishes match the earthy complexity. Dark chocolate desserts with moderate sweetness mirror the wine's cocoa-tinged finish.

What sizes does Pian Delle Vigne 2017 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Pian Delle Vigne 2017 worth the price? Pian delle Vigne positions as a premium Brunello from one of Italy's most established producers, and the 2017 vintage's 95-point Wine Enthusiast score places it among well-regarded wines in its price tier. For collectors and Brunello enthusiasts, it represents strong value relative to single-vineyard and riserva bottlings from top Montalcino estates.

Why Pian Delle Vigne 2017?

The 2017 vintage earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast — one of the highest scores this expression has received — validating its place among the most successful recent Brunello releases. Antinori's commitment to large-cask aging, rather than smaller barriques, preserves the aromatic purity and varietal transparency that Sangiovese demands, resulting in a wine that tastes of its place rather than its cooperage. The structured yet refined tannins and vibrant acidity give this bottle serious cellaring potential while remaining rewarding now with proper decanting. For anyone building a Tuscan wine collection or seeking a benchmark Brunello from a respected estate, the 2017 Pian delle Vigne delivers substance and authenticity in equal measure.