History, bikes and Brunello: Ciacci Piccolomini

'Our best vintage since 2016'

Montalcino is nothing if not rich in history, and there's an abundance of it at Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. The palazzo and the land originally belonged to the Bishop of Montalcino. The state expropriated these after the unification of Italy, and eventually they were bought by one Francesco Ciacci. His daughter married into the noble Piccolomini d'Aragano family, and she became a countess. When she died at a ripe old age with no direct heirs, she bequeathed the estate to her (astonished) property manager, Giuseppe Bianchini. He went on to rationalize, replant and improve the vineyards, making a big success of this traditionally-styled Brunello.

Nowadays, Giuseppe's son Paolo and his sister Lucia own and manage the estate. As proof that wine is not incompatible with a healthy lifestyle, Paolo was also Italian Amateur Cycling Champion in 1998. The tasting room at the estate is a museum to cycling, with historic bikes and jerseys, and Paolo also founded and manages the Brunello Bike charity.

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona lies a little west of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, with Monte Amiata not far off and the River Orcia below. The best vineyards perch at between 240 and 360 meters, and the combination of altitude and south-western exposure offers ideal conditions for ripening balanced fruit. Pianrosso means 'red field', a reference to the iron-rich soils here, and Giuseppe spotted the exceptional merits of this site; time has vindicated his decision to vinify it apart. While 2021 saw reduced yields due to spring frost, the quality of the vintage is without question. Paolo's son Alex, now also deeply involved in managing the estate, notes that 'it is our best vintage since 2016'. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines available Spring 2026. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998