2017 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino (half-bottle)
Ciacci Piccolomini is one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. We get a small allocation every year and it continues to deliver pristine examples of traditional Brunello di Montalcino we know and love.
The estate is a part of the EU ‘Lotta Integrata’ movement, which promotes reduced use of chemicals and organic viticulture; at Ciacci, fertilization is organic, and pruning and harvest are done by hand.
$40.00
Out of stock
Ciacci Piccolomini is one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. This ancient estate has 35 hectares of superior holdings in the prized Castelnuovo dell’Abate zone, including the ‘Pianrosso’ vineyard (meaning ‘red field,’ a reference to the iron rich soils) and the ‘Fonte’ vineyard, which produces grapes for the Rosso di Montalcino.
Plantings of Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot are to the south, where the Orcia river provides a milder microclimate. The non-traditional wines are as exciting as the Brunello and Rosso: ‘Ateo,’ which means ‘atheist,’ is a statement against the restrictive laws that govern winemaking in Italy; the wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 100% Syrah ‘Fabius’ is one of the greatest expressions of that variety in Italy and Parker once called it “the finest Italian Syrah I have tasted.”
The Ciacci estate is a member of the EU ‘Lotta Integrata’ movement, which promotes reduced use of chemicals and organic viticulture. Ciacci, has been certified organic since 2020. Only organic fertilizers are used (there is a cattle farm nearby for manure), no herbicides are used, pruning and harvest are done by hand, only sulfur and copper-based products are used and minimal SO2 is added. The area is sheltered by Mount Amiata and enjoys excellent air circulation
SANGIOVESE
Sangiovese is Italy’s most planted grape varietal and can taste quite different throughout, depending on the region it is grown in. It is the key grape variety of Tuscany’s distinguished Chianti and Montalcino regions. Sangiovese is generally higher in acidity with hints of local earth and herbs including roasted tomato, balsamic and oregano making this wine a great match for you guessed it: tomato sauce. It is sure to stand up beautifully with your home-cooked Italian meal.
TUSCANY, ITALY
Tuscany, within Central Italy, lies on the western side of the country. Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, the popular region of Chianti and the black grape variety, Sangiovese. Sangiovese wines here usually produce high levels of acidity and tannin with aromas of red cherry, plum, and died herbs. Sangiovese does so well throughout Tuscany as it needs a warm climate to ripen fully. Designated regions to keep an eye out for are Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Additionally, Bolgheri DOC, for bold reds from the coast of Central Italy.