Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [WA 94] [VM 94]

About the 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 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, who had no heirs; Giuseppe (Paolo and Lucia's father) had been the estate manager. 

About this Wine:
Their Brunellos emphasize finesse and balance, with layers of ultra-fine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, yet they age incredibly well. The vineyard consists of medium grain soil with good levels of marl, dating from the Eocene period at an altitude that ranges from 240 to 360 meters.  The “Pianrosso” plot of the vineyard consists of heavy iron deposits. 

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:

96 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of violets, lavender, licorice, nutmeg and potpourri. Full-bodied with layers of fine tannins that are crunchy and silky, showing freshness and bright fruit at the end. Caressing texture. An excellent example of the vintage. Needs time to come together, but is very pretty and satisfying. Try after 2028." (Dec 2025)

94 Points – Wine Advocate:
"This is a site I love, as it offers one of the grandest sunsets in Montalcino, and that sense of late-afternoon warmth seems to translate directly into the wine. The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows sweet fruit and darker aromas that evoke sun-drenched slopes and fading light. There is warmth and sweetness here that flesh out over the palate, giving the wine notable volume, a hallmark of the estate’s vineyards on the southern side of the appellation. You could almost fault this wine for being too ripe, but that same sunshine-driven character defines its appeal, with alcohol reaching 15%." – Monica Larner (Jan 2026)

94 Points – Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is bright, punchy and loaded with energy. Balsamic-laced black cherry, autumnal spice, dark chocolate and a lift of mint all burst from the glass. Seamless textures of pure silk reveal decadent red fruits swirl and a core of vibrant acidity. A coating of sweet tannins frames the 2021 as nuances of plum and orange zest slowly fade. This is already a pleasure to taste today but has the balance for a long and fruitful evolution." – Eric Guido (Nov 2025)