2019 Brunello di Montalcino, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Tuscany, Italy

Not too far from the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate in Montalcino’s southeast, the Ciacci Piccolomini estate expands over 200 hectares. The Brunello is crafted from a variety of south facing, breezy plots between 240 to 360 metres in height. Exceptionally fragrant, the 2019 bursts with sweet Mediterranean herbs, arbutus bush and raspberry. Mid-weight with soft, sandy textured tannins, it charms with tangerine freshness. While a touch of warming alcohol pokes through, this retains its graceful stature.

Drink 2024 - 2029

Sour cherries with stone and bark undertones to the aromas. Medium body, firm tannins and a long, linear finish that ends tight. But this will soften with some age. Subtle bark and dried mushroom character at the end.

Drink after 2025, but already pretty.

There's no mistaking this wine for anything but Brunello. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows beautiful continuity, crescendoing on the nose and palate in synchronicity. There are aromas of grilled watermelon, red cherry, garden herb and violet, and there is a charred note that recalls the toasted oak. The bouquet balances out beautifully, but you do get considerably more power on the palate thanks to the oomph of 15% alcohol and young tannins that get under your gums. Give this wine a few more years of bottle age.

Paolo Bianchini and his family at Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona farm organically across their mighty holdings of 55.5 hectares in one of the most beautiful spots imaginable, especially at sunset. The soils see a lot of schistic galestro clay, and the vines thrive at a well-ventilated 240 to 360 meters in elevation facing Monte Amiata and far-reaching southern exposures over a wide forested panorama. That beautiful sense of openness is something you taste in the wines, even more so with some bottle age.

Drink 2026 - 2042

The 2019 straight Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is a beauty, starting with its heady scents of red berry, dog rose, spice and Mediterranean scrub. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the smooth palate delivers juicy red cherry, cracked peppercorn and licorice alongside tightly-woven, refined tannins. Juicy acidity keeps it balanced and fresh.

Drink 2027 - 2039