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Hidden Tuscany Rating
Brunello riserva from a specific plot, Pianrosso, on marly soils, with three years of aging in large Slovenian oak foudres. Limitations: no verifiable distinction in the file and a high price with no possible comparison.
Brunello di Montalcino (Sangiovese) from the Pianrosso plot, marly soils, vines up to 360 m: appellation and zone precisely named.
No distinction or guide mentioned in the file; the description cites a score of 99/100 not attributed to an identified source.
98 € for a 2019 Brunello riserva: a price consistent with the rank of the appellation, but no reference price is given for comparison.
Specific pairings (roast or braised red meat, aged cheese), a two-hour decanting and aging up to 25 years are indicated; aromatic profile described.
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona estate named and located in Montalcino; three years of aging in large Slovenian oak foudres and fermentation in stainless steel and glass-lined tanks detailed.
Independent rating, calculated from the property's public information and traveler reviews. Commissions received on bookings are not included in the rating.
How we rateThe wine
I'm choosing this Brunello for the way it lets one specific place speak: the Pianrosso plot, its marly soils and the Sangiovese combine into a wine that is both broad and structured. The 2019 vintage is for enthusiasts who like to follow how a bottle evolves, without having to wait to enjoy its first aromas.
In Montalcino, in Tuscany, the Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona estate has a history that goes back to the 17th century. Its palazzo was built by the bishop of Montalcino. The property, long held by the Ciacci family, was later passed by Countess Elda Ciacci to her estate manager, Giuseppe Bianchini, for lack of direct heirs. Three generations of Bianchini have cared for it since, writing their own chapter into the estate's story.
This Brunello comes from a single plot, Pianrosso, which the family holds in great esteem. Its 11.7 hectares of mature vines climb to 360 meters of altitude on marly soils. The proximity of the Orcia river helps moderate temperatures and provides favorable conditions for the vine. The grape is Sangiovese, and the aging here serves the expression of the terroir: after fermentation in stainless steel and glass-lined tanks, the wine matures for three years in large Slovenian oak foudres.
The color is not detailed in the available notes, so I prefer not to attribute a precise hue to it. On the nose and palate, the announced profile revolves around a core of bright red fruit, lifted by subtle nuances of toast and spice. The palate is full, carried by firm tannins and a long, structured finish. Its substance and tannic framework give it room to evolve in the cellar: it can be kept for up to 25 years. The sheet indicates an average score of 99/100 awarded by experts; it is a reference point, but the details of the wine tell more than the score alone.
I would serve it with roasted or braised red meat, whose richness can match its body and tannins, or with an aged cheese. To enjoy its structure right now, plan to decant it two hours before serving. If you'd rather discover how the notes of fruit, spice and toast blend over time, keep it in the cellar and open it at a meal to which you want to devote all your attention.
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