Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [KO 98] [WA 95] [JS 94] [WS 94] [VM 93]

About this winery: 
Ciacci Piccolomini is one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. This ancient estate has 35 hectares of superior holdings in the prized Castelnuovo dell'Abate zone, including the 'Pianrosso' vineyard (meaning 'red field,' a reference to the iron rich soils). Made by the brother-and-sister team Paolo and Lucia Bianchini, this ancient estate was left to the Bianchini family in 1985 by Countess Elda CiacciPiccolominid'Aragona, who had no heirs; Giuseppe (Paolo and Lucia's father) had been the estate manager. Their Brunellos emphasize finesse and balance, with layers of ultrafine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, yet they age incredibly well.

Fermentation and refinement: Stainless steel and glass concrete vats with temperature controlled through cooling plates and jackets.

Aging: Over 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels and barriques, followed by over 8 months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

The bouquet is intense, fruit-forward, spicy and floral with hints of red berry fruits. Warm, soft and very well balanced on the palate, well structured with soft tannins and a long finish. 

Food pairings: 
This is a very versatile wine and can match all courses of a meal. Great companion to roasted and stewed game meat and excellent with mature cheeses and traditional handmade pasta in red sauce.

Ratings & Reviews:

98 Points - Kerin O'Keefe:
“The 2019 straight Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is a beauty, starting with its heady scents of red berry, dog rose, spice and Mediterranean scrub. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the smooth palate delivers juicy red cherry, cracked peppercorn and licorice alongside tightly-woven, refined tannins. Juicy acidity keeps it balanced and fresh.” (Sep 2023)

95 Points – Wine Advocate:
"There's no mistaking this wine for anything but Brunello. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows beautiful continuity, crescendoing on the nose and palate in synchronicity. There are aromas of grilled watermelon, red cherry, garden herb and violet, and there is a charred note that recalls the toasted oak. The bouquet balances out beautifully, but you do get considerably more power on the palate thanks to the oomph of 15% alcohol and young tannins that get under your gums. Give this wine a few more years of bottle age. Production is 66,915 bottles in addition to 4,500 smaller formats.” – Monica Larner (Dec 2023)

94 Points – James Suckling:
“Sour cherries with stone and bark undertones to the aromas. Medium body, firm tannins and a long, linear finish that ends tight. But this will soften with some age. Subtle bark and dried mushroom character at the end. Drink after 2025, but already pretty.” (Sep 2023)

94 Points – Wine Spectator:
”Dusky cherry and plum flavors are the main themes in this red, with accents of leather, spices and wild herbs. Lively and focused, with excellent harmony and a sequel of ripe cherry on the lingering finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 10,000 cases made, 2,080 cases imported.” – Bruce Sanderson (Mar 2024)

93 Points – Vinous Media:
”The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a seductress with an unbelievably pretty bouquet of cloves and sweet rose petals giving way to black cherries and balsam herbs. This easily sweeps across the palate, seamlessly smooth yet energetic, with a tart core of wild berry fruits and minerals enhanced by tantalizing acidity. A subtle coating of fine tannins remains as the 2019 tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge, leaving a resonance of cedar and dark chocolate. This is a must-have vintage for fans of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona.” – Eric Guido (Dec 2023)

92 Points – Decanter Magazine:
"Not too far from the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate in Montalcino’s southeast, the Ciacci Piccolomini estate expands over 200 hectares. The Brunello is crafted from a variety of south facing, breezy plots between 240 to 360 metres in height. Exceptionally fragrant, the 2019 bursts with sweet Mediterranean herbs, arbutus bush and raspberry. Mid-weight with soft, sandy textured tannins, it charms with tangerine freshness. While a touch of warming alcohol pokes through, this retains its graceful stature.” – Michaela Morris (Nov 2023)