Pian delle Querci Brunello Riserva 2020: power and patience

Some wines only give themselves up once you nudge them. Pian delle Querci Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020 is one of those. On the first nose it sat firmly shut, as if the long bottle ageing had drawn it closed. Light and air did the rest. I tasted it at La Grande Bellezza in Amsterdam, and watching it open was the finest lesson of that day.

Pian delle Querci Brunello Riserva 2020 in brief

The Riserva is one hundred percent Sangiovese Grosso, from an estate of 48 hectares with 8.5 hectares of vineyard. Tufaceous clay soil at 250 metres, 3,300 vines per hectare. Fermentation happens in small stainless steel tanks with long maceration, then 36 months in young Slavonian oak and at least twelve months in bottle. 2020 was a trickier year in Montalcino, with rain in September, so strict selection was crucial.

Tasting Note

Pian delle Querci Brunello Riserva 2020 in the glass

Appearance

Ruby, with the first signs of evolution at the rim.

Nose

Closed and held back at first. Give it light and air and the bouquet opens like a fan: tart black cherry, blackberry, cassis and strawberry, with oak notes lending depth.

Palate

A true power Brunello. Full and earthy, with oak notes bringing body and a wild, untamed vibe. Structure you feel standing there.

Finish

Long and powerful, with an earthy echo that lingers.

Quality

A powerful, earthy Riserva that shows exactly what this house stands for. But it asks for work: without air and patience it will not reveal itself.

Two honest caveats. First, that closed start: anyone who opens this bottle and pours straight away does the wine a disservice. Decanting here is not a luxury but a necessity. Second, the drinking window: the house says best from 2029, and that seems right. The power is already here, the finesse still needs time.

Drink or keep? Keep, and if you taste now: decant for at least an hour. Then you see where this wine will stand in a few years.

Producer: Pian delle Querci
Wine: Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020
Vintage: 2020
Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Sangiovese Grosso (100%)
Ageing: 36 months young Slavonian oak + min. 12 months bottle
Soil: Tufaceous clay, 250 m, 3,300 vines/ha
Alcohol: 14%

Sources

Pian delle Querci (official): piandellequerci.it
Consorzio Vino Brunello di Montalcino: consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it
La Grande Bellezza (tasting): lagrandebellezza.com

Tasted at La Grande Bellezza 2026 in Amsterdam. No partnership, independent assessment.