Brunello di Montalcino “Pianrosso” DOCG 2020

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona | Tuscany
Az. Agr. Ciacci Piccolomini | Loc. Molinello | IT 53024 Castellnuovo

09713220 · 0,75 l · 78,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

"Pianrosso" – the red plain. When Giuseppe Bianchini began planting this vineyard in 1985, he knew that the heart of his heritage would beat here, on the iron-rich Galestro soils above the Orcia Valley. Eleven hectares between 240 and 360 metres, supported by the slate and marl subsoil that was once seabed before the nearby Monte Amiata left behind its volcanic minerality. Today, his son Paolo and his son Alex continue this legacy – three generations of Bianchini, who face Montalcino's hottest zone with organic cultivation and prudent restraint. The 2020 vintage demanded everything: July heat, which led to 15.5 per cent alcohol, but underneath lies the elegance for which Castelnuovo dell'Abate is famous.

After 36 months in large Slovenian barrels, a world of aromas of intense complexity opens up: ripe wild strawberries and raspberries, plus liquorice, roasted coffee beans and a hint of blood orange. Velvety fullness unfolds on the palate with firmly woven, silky tannins, carried by cool acidity, which gives the wine an almost floating lightness despite its power. The final is long, salty and mineral, dramatic – an expression of a terroir that cannot be explained, only experienced. A Brunello that is already fascinating today, but will only reveal its true potential in a decade's time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, spicy aroma with bright red and blue fruit, redcurrant, delicate roasted notes of roasted espresso, complex and multi-faceted, beguiling with lots of ethereal spice and herbal notes, plus mineral-salty hints and floral nuances (rose petals, violet blossom). Dense, elegant palate with a fresh, juicy fruit character, cleverly arranged, skilfully framed by fine, polished, almost sweetish tannins that linger forever, with a long final with dark, ethereal, balsamic spicy notes and fine fruit." Weinwisser

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Restrained on the nose, still, cold smoke, burnt sage. Savoury on the palate with a rich entry and progression, polished and with creamy tannins, needs some time in the glass, then comes in several layers, powerful, rich and full-bodied, muscular and opulent, fiery." Falstaff

"Inviting bouquet of a potpourri of red forest fruits, spices and dried flowers; harmonious texture, fine-grained tannins, invigorating acidity, the long finish is extremely fruity and elegant." Vinum

"A blend of fruity and spicy elements, this red wine is smooth and shows a fine presence on the palate, with flavours of cherries, strawberries, tomato leaves and iron. It finishes with oak spice and earthy accents." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 is quite opulent, almost heavy, but not without fascination. It smells strongly of rose potpourri, cardamom, balsamic herbs and caramel. The palate is lush and full, with a strawberry compote balanced by a gentle acidity and lingering dusty tannins. This wine will appeal to those looking for a big, opulent Brunello." Decanter

"The bouquet shows aromas of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, roasted plums and sweet crème de cassis. This is a thick-grained Brunello with a soft, richly structured core. I recommend a medium-term drink." Wine Advocate

"Freshly split pine, tobacco and stone dust give way to dried strawberries and hints of mint as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso slowly blossoms in the glass. Silky and serene, this wine is characterised by its cool and fresh acidity, which enlivens the core of the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino with its rich wild berry fruit. A hint of blood orange gives it further gravitas, while it finishes with a surprisingly juicy character, leaving edgy tannins and a pleasantly bitter concentration. This wild child will need cellaring to fully develop, but I'm really looking forward to tasting it again in three to five years." Vinous

"Intense and lively flavours of strawberries and raspberries, together with cola and floral notes. Also nuances of milk and mint. Shows plenty of liquorice elegance and blood orange freshness on the nose and palate with firm, velvety tannins and well-packed, brilliant acidity and a polished finish. Good aftertaste and amazing potential. Very classic." James Suckling

"Vineyard of the same name in the south-east quadrant of the appellation, vinified in stainless steel and glass cement vats, aged in oak, notes of cornflower, then hints of rosemary and capers under salt, salty sip, with return of small fruits and officinal hints." Luca Gardini