Ciacci Piccolomini

Ruby red with garnet reflections. Bright, fresh nose of wild cherries, potting soil and blue flowers. Compact, medium slender body with a fresh acid wire and well integrated tannins. A parade Sangiovese, which does not only cause enthusiasm because of 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

In the dream year of 2016, the winery offers us a distinctly tasty and juicy representative that carries the spirit of Montalcino from the first to the last sip. Fine sage and mint notes beautifully round off the warm, ripe and extremely rich fruit bouquet. On the palate, it dances with a fine red berry acid wire underpinned by a great velvety texture. On the other hand, it is a taut, precise and particularly fresh Brunello that delights us at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. On the nose of ripe cherry, a hint of blood orange and noble spice. Opens on the palate with fine sweetness and balanced play, warm-hearted and clear with pithy tannin and fine pressure." Falstaff

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona places savory herbs, exotic spice and earth tones above ripeness of fruit. It's decidedly dark and brooding on the nose, lifted by hints of fresh-picked mint and sage. There are depths of velvety textures in the mouth, offset by a tactile mix of tart wild berries, minerals and zesty acidity which adds vibrancy in spite of the tannic heft and primary intensity found here. The 2016 finishes with a monolithic feel, still wound up tightly in its youthful state but also promising many years of positive evolution in our cellars. This is gorgeous and a great value for age-worthy Brunello." Vinous

"In southern Montalcino, the expansive Ciacci Piccolomini property is characterised by warm, perfumed afternoon breezes coming in from the Mediterranean. The wines are typically headily scented and generous in alcohol, as is the case in 2016; however, I find much more freshness and focus than in the 2015s. Aromas include sun-kissed cherry and raspberry with red rose, tobacco, sage and thyme. Light on its feet with grainy tannins that dissolve easily, this is almost ready to drink. An amaro-like finish persists and stimulates the appetite." Decanter

"Light on its feet, this red evokes strawberry, cherry, earth, menthol and Tuscan scrub flavors. Shows a firm underlying structure, with a fresh and focused finish." Wine Spectator

"Red-berry, wild-rose, crushed mint and dark-spice aromas are front and center on this fragrant red. The full-bodied palate is concentrated but also boasts finesse, offering layers of raspberry jam, smooth licorice and tobacco alongside a backbone of enveloping, velvety tannins. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol but the succulent fruit stands up to it." Wine Enthusiast

"Lots of red and blue fruit to this, evolving into wet leaves, freshly turned soil and brewed tea. Light herbal notes. Sweet cherries, too. It's full bodied with silky, firm tannins. More minerality and tea notes on the finish. Elegant and driven." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino (with 56,000 bottles made) shows bold cherry, spice, crushed stone and balsam herb that come together in seamless fashion. This estate has honed a unique style that becomes a common theme traced to each new vintage. I'd describe it as delicate but also succulent with a rich and almost pulpy quality of fruit. The wine is fueled by the golden light that hits this part of Tuscany in those last hours of the day. Here is a wine that shows spirit of place." Robert Parker

Pianrosso comes from a south-western site of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of about 300 m with mainly Galestro soils. It opens the pleasure cinema with a rich, sparkling garnet red. The bouquet is seductive and deep with hints of dark and black fruits, sage, rose petals and violets. On the palate, there is a distinct salty-fresh minerality, which soon enters into a wonderful harmony with the fine-grained tannins and the perfectly layered fruit, leading the wine powerfully with optimal balance into a soft, hardly ending finish. The overall level of most Brunellos from this dream vintage is already extremely high, but Pianrosso 2016 raises the bar a notch higher even among these strong competitors! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, bright garnet red. Opens with notes of tobacco and ripe plum, liquorice in the background. Gripping, firm tannin on the palate spreads out richly, firm and sturdy, showing lots of ripe fruit notes, slightly malty on the final, but still full pressure and long finish." Falstaff

"Dark, rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso boasts a display of ripe black fruits encased in an air of crushed stone, sage and exotic spice. While velvety and almost creamy in texture, it finds harmony through juicy acids and a mix of ripe black cherry and plums. Hints of licorice and baker's chocolate balance the Pianrosso's salty minerality and fine-grained tannins through the long and dramatic finale. There's beautiful symmetry here for a wine with such power. Place this in the cellar for ten years or more; but don't make the mistake of not checking in from time to time, because I expect the 2016 to enjoy a long and open drinking window." Vinous

"Cherry, iron, sanguine and black tea flavors highlight this sinewy red. Vibrant and solidly built, shows assertive tannins lining the finish. Has enough ripe fruit to offset the structure, and the aftertaste persists, with fruit, iron and underbrush accents." Wine Spectator

"Considered the estate's most representative vineyard, Pianrosso was replanted in the 1980s. It sits on iron rich marly soil and reaches 360 metres above sea level. Weightier and richer than the estate Brunello, it is also more mineral-laden. A promising nose of pungent potpourri and cherry orchard leads to plum cake on the palate. Layered velvety tannins clasp substantial fruit while offsetting hints of orange oil and fennel that provide refreshment." Decanter

"Aromas of red berry, camphor and tobacco meld with rose in this fragrant, full-bodied red. The smooth palate is concentrated yet elegant, featuring raspberry jam, cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and coffee bean alongside a backbone of firm, velvety tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Lots going on here with black plums, ripe cherries, cedar, smoke and cocoa on the nose. Ash, chocolate, crushed walnuts and some praline. Mushrooms. This has firm, ripe tannins and a full body. Flavorful and juicy finish. Very structured." James Suckling

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a single-vineyard expression that draws its fruit from an 11.7-hectare parcel with moderately thick galestro soils with ancient marine material. This special site, awash under the brilliant light of a big, open sky, does indeed deliver a more pronounced mineral signature, with wild berry, rose and rosemary essence. This is a beautiful wine, taut and silky, with elegant tannins that will endure ambitious bottle aging." Robert Parker

Piccolomini's single vineyard Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso 2015 comes from a south-western exposure at an altitude of about 300 metres 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 blackcurrant. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a great achievement that promises a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"A seductively complex scent of red berries, flowers, flanked by subtle liquorice aromas; the tannins powdery, the acidity invigorating and in perfect harmony, polished, ends in an opulent final on notes of plums, eucalyptus and chocolate. Recommended with an autumnal game dish." Vinum

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

"Deep red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, mocha, ginger and blood orange. Smooth and multifaceted, with strong licorice notes emerging on the long suave close." Vinous

"Black cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors mark this saturated red. Beefy tannins offer support and all the components are in the right place. Stays fresh and long on the finish, with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and tobacco." Wine Spectator

"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

"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

Filled only in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine, endowed with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, licorice and dark, fleshy fruit are some of the signature notes of this extreme growth. Juicy and substantial on the attack, it gradually opens up with fine-meshed tannin and plenty of cherry, all the while displaying supreme elegance and describing a wide arc in its overall appearance. The 2015 edition is a particularly dark, profound Brunello, which will gain in tension and finesse during the deserved further maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling medium dense garnet red. Opens with notes of pickled cherries and black nuts, fine plum. Builds up firm pressure on the palate, grippy, savoury tannin, plus plenty of sweet melting, then seems a little rough and slightly alcoholic on the final." Falstaff

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine that cleverly delivers the intensity of the vintage but without the heaviness or the ripeness. This wine holds back, just enough, to affirm its poised balance in terms of fruit richness, texture and tannic structure. It shows symmetry throughout. Dark cherry fruit, cassis, plum, lavender and campfire ash set the tone. The mouthfeel is thickly woven and generous." Robert Parker

"There’s a bright edge to this red, harnessing the cherry, strawberry, rosehip, mineral and tobacco flavors that build on the palate to a long finish. Displays terrific energy and balance, with an aftertaste that echoes both fruit and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"The opulence of fruit and complexity of earth, meat, mushroom and cedar is breathtaking. It’s full-bodied, deep and powerful with so much intensity and depth. Chewy and layered, it goes on for minutes. Give it even more time." James Suckling

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

Filled only in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine, endowed with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, licorice and dark, fleshy fruit are some of the signature notes of this extreme growth. Juicy and substantial on the attack, it gradually opens up with fine-meshed tannin and plenty of cherry, all the while displaying supreme elegance and describing a wide arc in its overall appearance. The 2015 edition is a particularly dark, profound Brunello, which will gain in tension and finesse during the deserved further maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling medium dense garnet red. Opens with notes of pickled cherries and black nuts, fine plum. Builds up firm pressure on the palate, grippy, savoury tannin, plus plenty of sweet melting, then seems a little rough and slightly alcoholic on the final." Falstaff

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine that cleverly delivers the intensity of the vintage but without the heaviness or the ripeness. This wine holds back, just enough, to affirm its poised balance in terms of fruit richness, texture and tannic structure. It shows symmetry throughout. Dark cherry fruit, cassis, plum, lavender and campfire ash set the tone. The mouthfeel is thickly woven and generous." Robert Parker

"There’s a bright edge to this red, harnessing the cherry, strawberry, rosehip, mineral and tobacco flavors that build on the palate to a long finish. Displays terrific energy and balance, with an aftertaste that echoes both fruit and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"The opulence of fruit and complexity of earth, meat, mushroom and cedar is breathtaking. It’s full-bodied, deep and powerful with so much intensity and depth. Chewy and layered, it goes on for minutes. Give it even more time." James Suckling

Filled only in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine, endowed with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, licorice and dark, fleshy fruit are some of the signature notes of this extreme growth. Juicy and substantial on the attack, it gradually opens up with fine-meshed tannin and plenty of cherry, all the while displaying supreme elegance and describing a wide arc in its overall appearance. The 2015 edition is a particularly dark, profound Brunello, which will gain in tension and finesse during the deserved further maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling medium dense garnet red. Opens with notes of pickled cherries and black nuts, fine plum. Builds up firm pressure on the palate, grippy, savoury tannin, plus plenty of sweet melting, then seems a little rough and slightly alcoholic on the final." Falstaff

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine that cleverly delivers the intensity of the vintage but without the heaviness or the ripeness. This wine holds back, just enough, to affirm its poised balance in terms of fruit richness, texture and tannic structure. It shows symmetry throughout. Dark cherry fruit, cassis, plum, lavender and campfire ash set the tone. The mouthfeel is thickly woven and generous." Robert Parker

"There’s a bright edge to this red, harnessing the cherry, strawberry, rosehip, mineral and tobacco flavors that build on the palate to a long finish. Displays terrific energy and balance, with an aftertaste that echoes both fruit and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"The opulence of fruit and complexity of earth, meat, mushroom and cedar is breathtaking. It’s full-bodied, deep and powerful with so much intensity and depth. Chewy and layered, it goes on for minutes. Give it even more time." James Suckling