Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona "Vigna di Pianrosso" Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 97] [WA 96] [WE 95] [VM 94] [WS 94] [DM 92]

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 Ciacci Piccolomini d'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.

Tasting Notes:
The bouquet is intense and complex: fruit-forward and spicy, with hints of ripe red berries enriched by various spicy notes. Warm Technical Data:                              

Vineyard: 11,69 hectares (29,22 acres) are named afte
Fermentation and refinement: In stainless steel and glass concrete vats, temperature-controlled via cooling plates and jackets.
Ageing: more than 3 years in 7,5 - 30 hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by over 12 months of bottle ageing.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - James Suckling:
"This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025." (Nov 2022)  

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. Production is 37,000 bottles." – Monica Larner (Mar 2023) 

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Comforting, classic Sangiovese aromas of vanilla, orange peel, cherry and cola on the nose transition onto a palate that levels up the sophistication with austere tannins and fiery acidity balanced by violet, cherry and more orange zest onto a coffee finish." — Danielle Callegari

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"Dark depths of crushed plums and black cherries are offset by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peels and hints of cocoa as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass. This is an especially racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, with cooling mineral tones and zesty acidity propelling its ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. While structured, this finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving the mouth watering with a lingering bitter hint of balsamic spice. The 2018 may not possess the power often associated with the Pianrosso, but it instead impresses with its lively and spicy character." – Eric Guido (Dec 2022)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A complex red, with dark, savory notes of licorice, eucalyptus and tobacco aligned with cherry and berry flavors. Succulent, showing light viscosity to the texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,083 cases made, 1,083 cases imported." – BS (Jun 2023)

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Both of Ciacci Piccolomini’s 2018s offer a ‘deliciousness’ of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite 12 hectares, this iron-rich marly vineyard soaked up just enough warmth to clearly demonstrate its southern origins. It has more shape, form and depth to lend endurance. Iron and salty minerals emerge from a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. Docile and yielding, the gentle sandy tannins give textural complexity as well as an immediate drinkability." – Michaela Morris (Nov 2022)