Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

This estate is located in Castelnuovo dell'Abate where the old ( the Bishop's Palce) and the new ( the Mulinello cellars) come together in a beautiful setting rich in passion and professionalism resulting in very high quality products. It was Giuseppe Bianchini who, after inheriting the winery from Contessa Elda Ciacci Piccolomini in 1985, set up the foundations to develop the wine sector of the estate beginning with the planting of new vines. Today his two children, Paolo and Lucia, continue the work their father started with great determination. In little over a decade, they have increased the vines to 40 hectares, sixteen of which are designated for Brunello. The most important latest news is the conclusion of the work on the new cellar, conceived and designed by father Giuseppe, which includes 2,500 square metres with all the space necessary for vinification, ageing and receiving visitors.

 Every minute detail was examined in order to improve the products and raise the image of the winery to very high levels. Just look at the careful selection of the best Slavonian barrels on the market to low yields of 50 quintals per hectare to the decision to use seven different cork suppliers to ensure maximum security of quality. Nothing in this winery is left to chance. Paolo's latest innovation is ingenious. A numerical code on each bottle allows you to receive all the information about the vintage and food and wine pairings for that bottle via text message wherever you happen to be.

Among the approximate 200,000 bottles produced, including 110,000 Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino, the estate also produces other valid labels: Ateo, a Sant'Antimo Rosso DOC and, under the same denomination, Fabius, a 100% Syrah. It was exactly the 2004 Fabius that surprised me the most. Intense ruby red in colour, persistent scents of wild berries such as blackberries and raspberries and vegetal scents. In the mouth the alcoholic part is still evident, but the tannins, which were extracted very well, show the character of this great wine. A very long delightful finisch.

The Brunello di Montalcino 2002 from this cellar needs to be added to the list of 2002 Brunello wines with great pleasure. A good ruby red colour. Herbaceous and forest floor scents with spices and balsamic points. In the mouth it is extremely enveloping and succulent. Good tannin content. A long finish with returns of tobacco and coffee. A great product just as all the magazines of the sector have confirmed.

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona   di Bianchini Paolo e Lucia

Castelnuovo Abate

tel. (0039)  0577.835616       www.ciaccipiccolomini.com