Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona "Pianrosso" Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WE 95] [WA 94] [JS 94] [VM 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, soft and harmonic on the palate, with pronounced tannins, acidity and savoriness. This elegant wine has great potential for further cellar ageing.

Technical Data:                              

Vineyard: 11,69 hectares (29,22 acres) are named after Pianrosso: situated at an altitude between 240 and 360 a.s.l. with a soil of medium grain with good levels of marl, dating to the Eocene period.
Grape Varietal: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
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

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This full-bodied red starts off with aromas of leather, forest floor and camphor. Enveloping and structured, the palate shows a weightless concentration, featuring dried cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of orange zest framed in velvety tannins. Drink 2024–2029" - Kerin O'Keefe (4/1/2022)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024." (Oct 2021)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note (plus a hefty 15% alcohol) that accompanies the wine from start to finish. Production is 37,000 bottles." - Monica Larner (Feb 2022)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh." - Eric Guido (Dec 2021)

91 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Ciacci Piccolomini’s 12ha flagship vineyard, Pianrosso sits above the Orcia river between 240 and 360 metres. It is consistently caressed by sea breezes which surface in the afternoon. The lavish warmth of this southern zone is palpable in the heady 15% alcohol and soft, laidback acidity. Nevertheless, there is focus and liveliness. Orange blossom and persimmon aromas lead to flavours of toothsome red plum and an attractive lingering bergamot finish. While immediate and accessible with mellow tannins, there is enough substance to carry this 2017 for another five years." – Michaela Morris (Nov 2021)

91 Points - Wine Specrtataor:
This red exhibits sappy, concentrated flavors of cherry, currant, plum, tobacco and soy. Shows intensity midpalate, persisting on the firm, chalky finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,093 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. – Bruce Sanderson (Jun 2022)