Ciacci Piccolomini

A heavenly Sangiovese wine with an intense scent of cherries, blueberries, leather, tobacco and vanilla. In the mouth soft and warm, well balanced and infinitely long. In the finish hints of prunes and dark chocolate. SUPERIORE.DE

Ruby red with garnet reflections. Bright, fresh nose of wild cherries, potting soil and blue flowers. Compact, medium-slim body with a fresh acid wire and well integrated tannins. A parade Sangiovese that is not only a delight due to its very attractive price. SUPERIORE.DE

In the fragrance black cherries, light spicy notes, some vanilla. Full body, fresh fruit, flattering texture and a clean, silky finish on the palate. Long lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, ripening red; inviting fruit, multi-layered; round and fine, fruity deep, some caramel, delicate tannin, long." Merum (JLF)

"Sparkling, clear ruby garnet. Opened with notes of saffron and liquorice, then lots of cherry, some pomegranate. Fine-meshed tannin on the palate, spreads well, much ripe fruit, smooth and long, salty." Falstaff

"Wow. I love the texture and beauty of this young Brunello. Medium to full body with a dense and tightly compacted palate. Dried cherry light cedar and chocolate. It goes on for minutes. Gorgeous now. Excellent acid fruit balance, but will improve with age." James Suckling

"Mid ruby with narrow orange rim. Spicy nose that is not showing a lot of fruit (yet). Generous, long palate that is already accessible." Jancis Robinson

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautifully finessed and elegant wine. It offers a very pleasing sense of balance in which no one characteristic overpowers the next. A dark ruby appearance gives the wine an open and inviting personality. The bouquet produces a subtle medley of wild berry, blueberry, underbrush and toasted almond aromas. The mouthfeel is lean, but it also shows polished and silky persistence. If you don't have the patience to wait, it tastes great even at this early stage." Robert Parker

"Dark spice, ripe berry, forest floor, Mediterranean brush and new leather aromas lead the nose on this powerfully structured wine. On the full-bodied palate, baking spice, licorice and pipe tobacco notes accent a juicy black cherry core while firm, velvety tannins provide the framework." Wine Enthusiast

In the fragrance black cherries, light spicy notes, some vanilla. Full body, fresh fruit, flattering texture and a clean, silky finish on the palate. Long lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium intense, warm red; deep fruity notes, berry jam; powerful, dense, fine astringent tannin." Merum

"Bright, bright garnet red. Charming, inviting nose, smells of rose petals, pomegranate and raspberries, interwoven. On the palate it shows a polished, much fine-meshed tannin, spreads for a long time, ripe fruit, in the finale light bitter note." Falstaff

"This wine initially comes off as more somber, brooding and dark in personalty. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino takes a few moments in the glass before its starts to relax and grow in volume and context. Before long, opulent tones of black fruit, spice and pipe tobacco. The wine is elegantly tempered and finessed on the close." Robert Parker

"Bright red. The fresh, clean, perfumed nose hints at red cherry and blood orange. Then sweet and supple on the palate, but with a lively mouthfeel to the red fruit and underbrush flavors thanks to harmonious, vibrant acidity. Has much more midpalate flesh to support its acidity than some other less successful 2013 Brunellos, all of which are made in a similar high-acid style typical of the vintage. Finishes broad, savory and nicely persistent. This 2013 from Ciacci Piccolomini is made in a much cooler-climate style than is usual for this producer." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Exuding cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this effusive, fruity style is bright and elegant, with terrific harmony and a long, mouthwatering finish that leaves a mineral impression. Very compelling." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of light coffee, plum and cherry follow through to a full body with a wealth of dried fruit and hints of figs." James Suckling

"Underbrush, tobacco, ripe berry and balsamic aromas abound in this delicious red. Smooth, full-bodied and savory, the succulent palate doles out Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and white pepper. It's well balanced, with firm yet refined tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Text follows. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense garnet red. Very inviting and open nose of ripe, fresh cherries, accompanied by plums and some pickled peach. Round and smooth in the beginning and the course, initially still a bit tentative, then opens up with handy tannin in many strands, in the final firm pressure and long finish." Falstaff

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona estate enjoys a beautiful and huge expanse of vineyards at the back of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate village, where the downward slope of the hamlet meets the Orcia River, which delineates the appellation border. The estate's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers lovely harmony and elegance. The wine's taste profile follows the soft contours and beautiful horizons that characterize this beautiful part of Tuscany. The mouthfeel is medium-weight but carefully balanced with just enough acidity to add brightness. It shows just enough backbone to guarantee staying power and longevity. That said, the tannins are carefully integrated into the delicate fiber of the wine. This is no doubt one of the most graceful Brunellos to emerge from the 2015 vintage." Robert Parker

 Extremely perfumed and decadent with dried flowers and spices and fresh mushrooms. Cherries,too. Full body. Solid core of fruit, yet ever so fine tannins. Goes on for minutes. Such beautifully crafted tannins. Drink after 2021." James Suckling

Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso lies dark and heavy in the glass. Dried rose petals, sweet tobacco, smoke, granite and a hint of aniseed in the bouquet. Very nuanced, smooth and harmonious on the palate, a light acidity and polished tannins give the wine vitality and freshness. Exceptionally attractive! SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on notes of red berries and leather; juicy in the mouth, the brittle acidity blends pleasurably with the tannins on the palate. Convinces with its successful combination of tradition and opulence. Great wine." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich garnet red. Opened in the nose with notes of tobacco and plums, some nougat. On the palate much fine-meshed tannin, unfolds very polished, spans a wide arch, sweet enamel in the final." Falstaff

"A wealth of coffee and spice aromas with ripe fruit. Full body and round tannins. Delicious and rich. Flavorful finish. Opulent style. Drink or hold." James Suckling

"The Pianrosso is a selection of the oldest vines from a single vineyard of almost 12ha, at an altitude of between 240 and 360 metres. It matures in Slavonian oak casks and ages for six years before release. Macerated cherry, plum, anise, eucalyptus and heady florals come out with some coaxing. Full and rich in style, the palate is held together by layers of powdery tannins, while stony, mineral-like nuances add intrigue. It needs a couple more years to fully express itself, but is already demonstrating great persistence and definition." Decanter

"Although this wine is not labeled as a riserva, it is released six years after the harvest as if it were one. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 20,000 bottles produced) opens to balanced fragrances that mix fruity elements with spice, crushed stone and smoke. This wine is linear and direct with firm tannic support at the back. Give it another few years to flesh out further with additional bottle aging." Robert Parker

"Wild berry, fragrant purple flower and crushed herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather in this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an ageworthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced by bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity." (Platz 10 - Top 100 Cellar Selections 2019) Wine Enthusiast

The 2012er Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso lies dark and heavy in the glass. Dried rose petals, sweet tobacco, smoke, granite and a hint of aniseed in the bouquet. Very nuanced, smooth and harmonious on the palate, a light acidity and polished tannins give the wine vitality and freshness. Exceptionally attractive! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense bouquet with wild berries and dark chocolate, also notes of violets and tobacco; the tannins polished and perfectly integrated, has fullness, race, suppleness. A Sangiovese as he should be." Vinum

"Medium, ripening red; ripening fruit notes, depth, appealing; fullness, juicy, noticeable, pleasant tannin, some caramel, also sweetness, length." Merum

"Bright, dark garnet red. Opened first with slightly earthy notes, then nicely with goji berries and pomegranate, cloves in the background. Fine sweet melt on the palate, shows first beautiful raspberry fruit, then unfolds very finely with soft tannin in many layers, juicy and long". Falstaff

"Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. The palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. Tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure." Wine Enthusiast

"This is all about finesse and beauty with such great length and polish. It literally melts in your mouth. Full-bodied yet agile and vivid. So many undertones of cedar, berries, cream and light toffee. Fabulous. Contender for the wine of the vintage." James Suckling

"This release comes near in terms of power and purity, although it bears some of the weight of the hot vintage. The darkness of fruit is more pronounced and the tannins are a bit softer. The long finish offers tobacco, balsam herb and dried fruit." Robert Parker

Piccolomini's single vineyard Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso 2015 originates from a south-western exposure at an altitude of about 300 m in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone. It is beautiful and delicate from the start and spontaneously impresses with its vitality, depth and balance. Compared to the basic Brunello, the wine matures for another year in oak barrels and you can feel the additional spice in the nose. Rich spices, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, plum, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a great achievement that promises a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture." Robert Parker

"Sparkling ruby with intense garnet rim. Very inviting and complex nose of dried porcini mushrooms, wild raspberries and dark cherries, some leather. Plenty of juicy berry fruit on the palate, opens with handy, dense tannin, salty and rich depth." Falstaff

"Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021." James Suckling

A bright and sumptuous colour, the scent of ripe cherries, strawberries, undergrowth and spices, clear and polished on the palate, ripe fruit, silky tannins, plenty of body and a persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with rich garnet. The nose presents itself with rich fruit notes, a basket full of ripe cherries and plums, some cranberries and goji berries, in the background spicy resinous components. Juicy and substantial at the base, opens with fine-meshed tannin, very juicy, plenty of cherry, shows itself very elegant, describes a wide arch." Falstaff

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a gorgeous expression that sits firmly on a base of dark fruit, spice, tobacco and crushed river stone. There is a spot of ripe fruit and candied raspberry that comes into focus as the wine warms in the glass. The wine is slightly shorter in the mouth, but it quickly makes up for that thanks to balanced elegance, fine tannins and tangy acidity." Robert Parker

"Some glossy oak warmth across the ripe red cherry and raspberry aromas on the nose. With walnuts, blonde tobacco, sweet brown spices and earthy nuances too. The palate has a level of power and energy that really sets it apart. Shows a very succulent and vibrant core of red fruits and light earthy notes through the finish. Great balance here." James Suckling

"This gorgeous wine opens with alluring aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, underbrush, new leather, truffle, plum and eucalyptus. Smooth and full-bodied yet elegant, the savory, juicy palate delivers crushed Marasca cherry, raspberry preserve, licorice and menthol alongside polished, enveloping tannins. Fresh acidity provides impeccable balance while an orange zest note lifts the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso lies dark and heavy in the glass. Dried rose blossoms, sweet tobacco, smoke, granite and a light touch of aniseed on the nose. Very rich in nuances, smooth and harmonious on the palate, a light acidity and polished tannins give the wine liveliness and freshness. Extraordinarily attractive! SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on notes of red berries and leather; juicy in the mouth, the crisp acidity blends pleasantly with the tannins on the palate. Convinces with its successful combination of tradition and opulence. Great wine." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich garnet red. Opened in the nose with notes of tobacco and plums, some nougat. On the palate a lot of fine-meshed tannin, unfolds very polished, spans a wide arc, sweet melting in the final." Falstaff

"A wealth of coffee and spice aromas with ripe fruit. Full body and round tannins. Delicious and rich. Flavorful finish. Opulent style. Drink or hold." James Suckling

"The Pianrosso is a selection of the oldest vines from a single vineyard of almost 12ha, at an altitude of between 240 and 360 metres. It matures in Slavonian oak casks and ages for six years before release. Macerated cherry, plum, anise, eucalyptus and heady florals come out with some coaxing. Full and rich in style, the palate is held together by layers of powdery tannins, while stony, mineral-like nuances add intrigue. It needs a couple more years to fully express itself, but is already demonstrating great persistence and definition." Decanter

"Although this wine is not labeled as a riserva, it is released six years after the harvest as if it were one. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 20,000 bottles produced) opens to balanced fragrances that mix fruity elements with spice, crushed stone and smoke. This wine is linear and direct with firm tannic support at the back. Give it another few years to flesh out further with additional bottle aging." Robert Parker

"Wild berry, fragrant purple flower and crushed herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather in this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an ageworthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced by bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity." (Platz 10 - Top 100 Cellar Selections 2019) Wine Enthusiast

Piccolomini's single vineyard Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso 2015 originates from a south-western exposure at an altitude of about 300 m in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone. It is beautiful and delicate from the start and spontaneously impresses with its vitality, depth and balance. Compared to the basic Brunello, the wine matures for another year in oak barrels and you can feel the additional spice in the nose. Rich spices, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, plum, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a great achievement that promises a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture." Robert Parker

"Sparkling ruby with intense garnet rim. Very inviting and complex nose of dried porcini mushrooms, wild raspberries and dark cherries, some leather. Plenty of juicy berry fruit on the palate, opens with handy, dense tannin, salty and rich depth." Falstaff

"Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021." James Suckling

A bright and sumptuous colour, the scent of ripe cherries, strawberries, undergrowth and spices, clear and polished on the palate, ripe fruit, silky tannins, plenty of body and a persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with rich garnet. The nose presents itself with rich fruit notes, a basket full of ripe cherries and plums, some cranberries and goji berries, in the background spicy resinous components. Juicy and substantial at the base, opens with fine-meshed tannin, very juicy, plenty of cherry, shows itself very elegant, describes a wide arch." Falstaff

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a gorgeous expression that sits firmly on a base of dark fruit, spice, tobacco and crushed river stone. There is a spot of ripe fruit and candied raspberry that comes into focus as the wine warms in the glass. The wine is slightly shorter in the mouth, but it quickly makes up for that thanks to balanced elegance, fine tannins and tangy acidity." Robert Parker

"Some glossy oak warmth across the ripe red cherry and raspberry aromas on the nose. With walnuts, blonde tobacco, sweet brown spices and earthy nuances too. The palate has a level of power and energy that really sets it apart. Shows a very succulent and vibrant core of red fruits and light earthy notes through the finish. Great balance here." James Suckling

"This gorgeous wine opens with alluring aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, underbrush, new leather, truffle, plum and eucalyptus. Smooth and full-bodied yet elegant, the savory, juicy palate delivers crushed Marasca cherry, raspberry preserve, licorice and menthol alongside polished, enveloping tannins. Fresh acidity provides impeccable balance while an orange zest note lifts the finish." Wine Enthusiast