Collection: Ciacci Piccolomini
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona traces its estate origins to the 17th century with a historic palazzo built by the Bishop of Montalcino, passing through noble families including the Piccolomini d'Aragona (descendants of Pope Pius II). In 1985, childless Countess Elda Ciacci willed the property to her long-time farm manager Giuseppe Bianchini, who transformed it into a commercial winery, planting key vineyards like Pianrosso and releasing the first Brunello in 1985. Today, Giuseppe's children Paolo (winemaking) and Lucia Bianchini oversee roughly 45 hectares in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, southeastern Montalcino, producing elegant, structured Brunellos from iron-rich Galestro soils.
Viticulture Philosophy
Vines root into iron-rich Galestro (schistous clay) and marl soils at 240-360m on Pianrosso hill overlooking Orcia Valley, influenced by Monte Amiata's volcanic minerality for concentration and freshness. Sustainable practices emphasize low yields from 20-35-year-old vines, site selection for microclimates, and minimal intervention to express Montalcino's southeastern power with balance.
Winemaking Techniques
Sangiovese ferments in stainless steel and concrete tanks, followed by aging in large Slavonian oak botti (up to 75hl) for 2-5 years depending on cuvée—Pianrosso Brunello (single-vineyard), Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso, and Rosso di Montalcino. Consultant Paolo Vagaggini ensures gentle extraction and bottle aging for refined tannins and purity without new oak dominance.
Critics and Journalist Praises
Ciacci Piccolomini ranks among Montalcino's elite, with Wine Advocate praising Pianrosso's "textural warmth, richness, and volume" from Castelnuovo terroir; consistent 93-97 points highlight elegance and age-worthiness. Critics laud the Bianchini siblings' rise to producing "true expressions" of Montalcino's varied soils, rivaling traditional benchmarks.
