Year in and year out, Ciacci Piccolomini is among the top producers in Tuscany, yet despite consistently high scores from the critics, their wines remain incredibly good value.
The origin of the estate dates back to the 17th century when it was the property of the local abbey. On the last day of December in 1877, it was purchased by the Ciacci family, and following a daughter's subsequent marriage to Count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona, the estate assumed the name that is still in use today. Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Montalcino, close to the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Ciacci Piccolomini has roughly 150 acres under vine -- including their finest site, the 29-acre Pianrosso vineyard, meaning ‘red field,’ a reference to the iron-rich soils.
The origin of the estate dates back to the 17th century when it was the property of the local abbey. On the last day of December in 1877, it was purchased by the Ciacci family, and following a daughter's subsequent marriage to Count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona, the estate assumed the name that is still in use today. Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Montalcino, close to the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Ciacci Piccolomini has roughly 150 acres under vine -- including their finest site, the 29-acre Pianrosso vineyard, meaning ‘red field,’ a reference to the iron-rich soils.
Today we are pleased to offer two of Italy's best value buys from 2018 with the 97-point (WE) Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino and the 98-point (WE) single vineyard Vigna di Pianrosso. The Brunello di Montalcino outperforms plenty of wines at twice the price, and the smaller-production Vigna di Pianrosso bottling has been one of the highest-scoring wines in the Brunello region for well over a decade. Only produced in the best vintages, the 2018 Vigna di Pianrosso was ranked #2 by James Suckling in his comprehensive report of the 2018 Brunello vintage, which he describes as "cool and classic".
2018 in Montalcino started with a freezing winter and significant snowfall, followed by a rainy spring with heavy downpours that delayed budding and blooming periods. However, these rains proved vital as a water resource for the vineyards waiting for the heat of the summer, with warm and dry conditions present throughout July and August. Some additional precipitation followed early in the autumn before sunny skies and moderate temperatures allowed for harvest to take place in ideal conditions, with perfectly ripe, healthy fruit, leading to wines that are full of flavour and smooth, silky tannins.
Arriving into AMFW in the late spring, these wines will sit comfortably alongside the very best of Brunello in your cellar, so do let me know if you would like to order.
2018 in Montalcino started with a freezing winter and significant snowfall, followed by a rainy spring with heavy downpours that delayed budding and blooming periods. However, these rains proved vital as a water resource for the vineyards waiting for the heat of the summer, with warm and dry conditions present throughout July and August. Some additional precipitation followed early in the autumn before sunny skies and moderate temperatures allowed for harvest to take place in ideal conditions, with perfectly ripe, healthy fruit, leading to wines that are full of flavour and smooth, silky tannins.
Arriving into AMFW in the late spring, these wines will sit comfortably alongside the very best of Brunello in your cellar, so do let me know if you would like to order.
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino
£185 (6x75cl) IB
97 Points | Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Forest berry, spice, hay and menthol aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather on this stunning, fragrant Brunello. A top-scorer vintage after vintage, the 2018 combines elegance and a full body, delivering dried cherry, blood orange, licorice and ground clove alongside firm but refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized while a saline mineral note adds depth to the finish.
95 Points | James Suckling
Roasted herbs, walnuts, olives, dried cherries and balsamic on the nose with a touch of leather and sage. It’s full-bodied with firm, finely-knit tannins. Creamy and so well integrated with depth and class. Try after 2024.
£185 (6x75cl) IB
97 Points | Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Forest berry, spice, hay and menthol aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather on this stunning, fragrant Brunello. A top-scorer vintage after vintage, the 2018 combines elegance and a full body, delivering dried cherry, blood orange, licorice and ground clove alongside firm but refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized while a saline mineral note adds depth to the finish.
95 Points | James Suckling
Roasted herbs, walnuts, olives, dried cherries and balsamic on the nose with a touch of leather and sage. It’s full-bodied with firm, finely-knit tannins. Creamy and so well integrated with depth and class. Try after 2024.
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Vigna di Pianrosso
£265 (6x75cl) IB
98 Points | Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and lifted.
97 Points | James Suckling
This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025.
