2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino

In Castelnuovo dell'Abate is the stately 17th-century palazzo where Guiseppe Bianchini vinified the wines of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona until a few years ago. Today the wines are produced and bottled in a brand new cellar just outside the village. Cyclist Paulo Bianchini traded his bike for his father's heritage and oversees the performance of the peloton of wines. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona estate enjoys a beautiful and vast expanse of vineyards at the back of the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, where the downward slope of the hamlet joins the River Orcia, which forms the boundary of the appellation. The Brunello di Montalcino offers beautiful harmony and elegance. The wine's flavor profile follows the soft contours and beautiful horizons that characterize this beautiful part of Tuscany. The mouthfeel is medium weight but carefully balanced with just enough acidity to add brightness. It shows just enough backbone to ensure stamina and longevity. That said, the tannins are carefully integrated into the wine's delicate fibers. This is always one of the most gracious Brunellos that isn't as 'over the top' as it often is. ABOUT 2017 2017 was a hot and dry harvest year. Fortunately, the Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona estate is in a fairly cool location with south-facing vines and well-drained soils at the back of Castelbuovo dell'Abate. This special place is the reason that all wines from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona always have very high scores. Also highly recommended to taste the wine of this house vertically. The lifespan is always very long in all cases, so it is nice to taste a number of vintages next to each other (vertically) and thus taste the climatic differences in the wine. By the way, this estate is certified for organic farming