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The Ciacci Story
Ciacci Piccolmini is one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. This ancient estate has 86 acres of superior holdings in the prized Castelnuovo dell'Abate zone, including the "Pianrosso" vineyard. The Pianrosso vineyard is their finest Brunello planting, covering some 27 acres of ideal soils for the production of classic Brunello di Montalcino. At an altitude of from 800 to 1200 feet, it garners the benefits of cooling evening air to moderate the heat of midday, allowing the grapes to ripen more slowly, and completely, assuring that the greatest complexity and depth of flavor can be acheived. The vineyards of Ciacci are maintained at near pristine levels. The Brunellos emphasize finesse and balance, with layers of ultrafine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, yet they age incredibly well. Reviews Wine Advocate 94 Points
The estate's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso possesses striking depth as endless layers of sweet, perfumed fruit emerge with tons of grace. This, too, is an intense, full-bodied wine. The balance here is utterly exceptional, and the wine's sheer plumpness makes for a highly rewarding glass of Brunello. Succulent dark cherries, spices, underbrush, minerals and new leather come to life as the wine sits in the glass, yet this remains a backward, structured Brunello in need of serious bottle age. The Pianrosso is a terrific effort from proprietor Paolo Bianchini. Ciacci's Pianrosso is an old-vines selection that spent 36 months in Slavonian oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
Wine Spectator 92 Points
Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious fruit. Very attractive. Hard not to drink it now. Best from 2010 through 2015. 4,400 cases made. -JS
International Wine Cellar 91
Good deep red. Plum, spicecake and chocolatey oak on the nose; just this side of roasted. Then sweeter, deeper and more pliant than the basic release, with a chewier texture and an almost liqueur-like richness to its fruit. As big and lush as this is, it's got very good supporting spine and is not at all overly sweet. Finishes with excellent length.
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