Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is a premiere wine estate located on the southwest side of the Montalcino municipality in Castelnuovo dell’Abate. It covers a vast area of 170 hectares, encircled by vineyards, olive groves, woods, grain and pasture lands, at an altitude of 790 to 1,200 feet. The history of the estate dates back to the 17th century when the Palazzo, the oldest part of the property, was built by Montalcino’s bishop, Fabivs de’ Vecchis of Sant’ Antimo Abbey.

Due to its strategic position and ideal microclimate, the Pianrosso Vineyard is the best expression of the estate. It is the source of the best grapes for the Brunello Pianrosso and Brunello Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso wines.

This wine, made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, is the result of a careful selection of grapes from the Pianrosso vineyard and has always been the estate’s most representative wine.

The Pianrosso vineyard covers 11,69 hectares (29,22 acres) and is composed of medium-grain soil with good levels of marl, dating from the Eocene period. The wine is aged for 36 months in 20-62 hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 8 months period of bottle ageing.

Brunello Pianrosso has a ruby red color verging towards garnet. The bouquet is intense, complex, fruit-forward and spicy with hints of ripe red berry fruits enriched by various spicy notes. Warm, soft and harmonic on the palate, it has great balance among pronounced tannins, acidity and savoriness. This elegant wine has good potential for further cellar ageing.

The 2017 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a remarkable red wine that showcases the elegance and balance of the winemaking team, especially in a challenging vintage like 2017. This wine, made from the Sangiovese Grosso varietal, hails from the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino sub-region of Tuscany, Italy.

In the glass, this wine exhibits a deep red color that hints at its complexity and depth. On the nose, it opens up with enticing aromas of fresh cherry, wild rose, and ferrous earth. There are also notes of licorice, grilled herbs, bay leaf, and rosemary sprig that add layers of complexity. The bouquet is further enhanced by a sweet cherry note that persists from start to finish, accompanied by a touch of warmth from its 15% alcohol content.

On the palate, this Brunello di Montalcino is beautifully crafted and polished, with a full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts, and cedar flavors take center stage, accompanied by dried-flower undertones that add a touch of elegance. While the tannins are still firm, they are well-integrated, and the wine shows a weightless concentration that is both enveloping and structured.

The 2017 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 94, highlighting its balance, elegance, and fresh cherry notes. James Suckling also awarded it 94 points, noting its beauty, creaminess, and the need for a few more years of aging. Vinous gave it a score of 92, praising its nuanced bouquet, juicy and energetic palate, and stunning tannin management. Wine Enthusiast awarded it an impressive score of 95, emphasizing its weightless concentration, velvety tannins, and complex flavor profile. Decanter scored it 91 points, describing it as immediate, accessible, and with enough substance to age for another five years. Lastly, Wine Spectator awarded it 91 points, noting its sappy, concentrated flavors and firm, chalky finish.

Overall, the 2017 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a wine of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It is a must-try for enthusiasts of Italian red wines, particularly those seeking a standout expression from the renowned Brunello di Montalcino region. This wine is best enjoyed from 2024 onward, allowing its flavors and structure to further evolve and integrate.