The 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes selected for the production of Ciacci’s Brunello di Montalcino “Annato” are sourced from 16.5 hectares of vineyards composed of medium-grain, marl-rich soils. The altitude of the vineyards varies from 650 to 1,300 feet.

Fermentation is in temperature-controlled stainless steel and glass-lined concrete vats. The wine is aged for 24 months in 20-85 hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 4 months bottle aging.

The color of the wine is ruby red verging towards garnet. The bouquet is intense, fruit-forward, spicy and floral with hints of red berry fruits enriched by delicate spicy notes. The wine is warm, soft and very well balanced on the palate. It is structured with soft tannins and a long aftertaste. It is an ideal companion of roasted and stewed meat, game and mature cheese.

The 2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino is a Sangiovese Grosso varietal from the renowned Tuscan region of Italy. This wine exemplifies the balance and complexity that Brunello di Montalcino is known for, with a 14.5% alcohol content and traditional cork closure.

Kerin O'Keefe, in her review for kerinokeefe.com, awarded this wine an impressive 97 points, highlighting its "forest berry, spice, hay, and menthol aromas" mingled with "whiffs of new leather." She commended its combination of elegance and full body, noting flavors of "dried cherry, blood orange, licorice, and ground clove" with firm but refined tannins. O'Keefe suggested it has a bright acidity that keeps it energized and a saline mineral note that adds depth to the finish. She recommends drinking it between 2026 and 2038.

Vinous, which rated the wine at 92 points, described the 2018 vintage as "dark and brooding," with initial mocha notes that evolve into "dried red fruits, cloves, and rosemary." The review emphasized the wine's purity and elegance, with ripe red and black fruits supported by vibrant acidity. The finish is characterized by fine-grained tannins and hints of tart wild berry and cocoa. This wine is suggested for consumption between 2024 and 2031.

James Suckling, giving it a 95-point score, mentioned aromas of "roasted herbs, walnuts, olives, dried cherries, and balsamic," complemented by leather and sage. He praised its full-bodied nature, finely-knit tannins, and creamy texture. Suckling recommended trying it after 2024.

Wine Spectator rated it 93 points, describing it as "dense and brooding," with flavors of "plum, cherry, earth, menthol, and tobacco." Although currently austere with dominant tannins, the wine is well-balanced and has extended length. The best drinking window is from 2026 through 2043.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine 94 points, noting its immediate intensity and complexity. The review highlighted red and purple berry fruits followed by "tarry spice, campfire ash, licorice, and rusty nail." The tannins are seamlessly integrated, making it suitable for both immediate consumption and aging. This vintage produced 80,000 bottles, reflecting the winemaking team's skill in a challenging year.

The Wine Independent also awarded it 95 points, praising its medium ruby color, sweet oak-spice, and bright red cherry fruit. The review mentioned the wine's charm, refined tannins, and elegant, lingering finish. It is noted for accurately reflecting the vintage and offering significant drinkability.

Overall, the 2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino is highly regarded across multiple reviewers for its balance, complexity, and aging potential.