Prodotto solo nelle annate migliori ed esclusivamente con uve provenienti dai vigneti di Pianrosso è il vino che da sempre rappresenta in modo autorevole il terroir ed il nome dell’azienda.
Da questi vigneti vengono anche selezionate le uve da destinare alla tipologia Riserva.
11,69 ettari si fregiano della dizione "Pianrosso", situati in terreni di medio impasto e galestro di origine eocenica tra i 240 e i 360 metri s.l.m.
100% Sangiovese.
in recipienti di acciaio inox e vasche di cemento vetrificate a temperatura controllata tramite camicie di raffreddamento e piastre ad immersione.
In botti di rovere per un periodo prolungato, seguito da un ulteriore affinamento in bottiglia.
Rosso rubino tendente al granato.
Profumi intensi e complessi. Sensazioni di frutta matura a bacca rossa si completano con svariate note speziate; al gusto è caldo, armonico con tannini pronunciati; un vino di corpo con lunga persistenza gusto-olfattiva che potrà ancora evolversi con un lungo invecchiamento in bottiglia.
Stappare un’ora prima della mescita e servire a 18°C in calice di cristallo a forma "ballon". Le bottiglie vanno conservate al buio, distese al fresco e senza sbalzi di temperatura.
Ideale con cacciagione arrosto o in umido e con primi piatti con condimento a base delle stesse carni. Ottimo anche con formaggi stagionati.
Le bottiglie sono tutelate grazie ad un ologramma anticontraffazione sulla capsula.
"Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It's so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph."
"Rich, with cherry and strawberry notes, tinged by leather, bitter almond and tobacco flavors. Firm and angular, presenting a long, iron- and tea-accented finish. Turns more supple with air, but remains solidly built for the long haul. Best from 2019 through 2033. 2,916 cases made." - B.S.
"Beautiful and delicate from the start, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso impresses for its depth and balance. The wine sees one more year of oak cask aging compared to the base Brunello and you can definitely sense the extra spice on the nose. Those delicate balsam notes of root beer, ginger and rosemary oil are still prominently on display. Rich spice, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, prune, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a terrific effort that promises a steady evolution ahead."
"Very dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of ripe fruit, fresh porcini and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with fabulous texture of velvety and complex fruit character. Incredibly long. I have always loved this wine. I like it better than the riserva in 1997.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 2,500 cases made." - B.S.
"This is gorgeous with seductive cedar, tobacco, berry and Indian spices on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a tobacco, coffee and berry aftertaste. Refined. Best after 2007. 4,000 cases made."- B.S.
"Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious fruit. Very attractive. Hard not to drink it now. Best from 2010 through 2015. 4,400 cases made." - B.S
"A mix of cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and dried beef aromas and flavors make this complex in a lighter style. Balanced between the fruit, moderate acidity and tannins. Very elegant. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Graphite and cedar aromas lead off in this cherry-, strawberry- and licorice-flavored red. This is firm, with quiet intensity and a dense, spice-infused finish. Best from 2015 through 2030. 2,900 cases made. " - B.S.
"This is a very rich Sangiovese on the nose with dried black cherries and strawberries. Lots of dark chocolate too. Loads of black chocolate cake and dried coffee cake character. Full and very powerful. Lots of ripe tannins. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2014."
"Aromas of dried cherries and plums with hints of flowers follow through to a full body with velvety tannins and a juicy, meaty, fruity aftertaste. Turns to chocolate powder as well. Drink or hold."
"The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is more layered, perfumed and subtle than the straight Brunello. Freshly cut flowers, dark red fruit, licorice, spices and menthol are all layered together nicely in the glass. A wine of considerable texture and depth, the 2008 Pianrosso should drink well for at least a handful of years. There is no shortage of depth, richness or complexity in this fine effort. This is an especially concentrated style for the year, but it works. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2025."
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999." -B.S.
"Delicate and traditional, with floral, berry and leather aromas and flavors. Medium in body, with medium tannins and a light, crisp finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made." - B.S.
"Very aromatic wine, with dried berries and cherries throughout. Medium- to full-bodied, with very soft, round tannins and a long, long finish. An absolute joy to drink. Drink now. 800 cases made." - B.S.
"Papery, with plum, leaf and herb aromas. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a short finish. Drink now. 1,900 cases made." -B.S.
"Wild berry, cherry and floral aromas to this Brunello. Full-bodied, with big, silky tannins and loads of exciting fruit. Lively, yet refined. These wines are a joy to taste. Giuseppe Bianchini is a master in the vineyards. Best after 2004. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Very tight and firm, with hints of fresh flowers, berries and fresh meat. Full-bodied, chewy and silky, with hints of mineral and fruit. Long finish. This is a wine that needs bottle age. Strangely, I like the 1998 better and, of course, the 1997. Best after 2006. 4,100 cases made." - B.S.
"Impressive. Lots of jam on the nose, with hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, round and soft, with lots of fruit. Thick and generous. Very well done. Best after 2006. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"A full-bodied red, showing aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla and mild spice, with a meaty note. Full, firm and flavorful. Tight and very concentrated now, but should expand with time. Best after 2010. 2,916 cases made." -B.S.
"Silky and elegant, offering cherry, raspberry, currant and violet aromas and flavors. Detailed and firmly structured, with refined tannins and a lingering aftertaste of red fruits. A Brunello of finesse and harmony. Best from 2012 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S
"The 2010 'Pianrosso' is an absolutely gorgeous single vineyard cru Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. It delivers wonderful aromas of fresh blackberries and plums, which are woven together with floral, earthy minerals, aged balsamic and sweet red licorice, all coming together beautifully in the glass. The full body is nicely balanced, supported by ripe tannins and a beautiful fine, silky texture. So pure and elegant as it finesses its way through the long, pretty finish. Not quite as accessible and open as the Brunello normale, so it will require a bit more patience, but that being said there's a lovely future ahead for this Pianrosso and it will be interesting to watch it evolve for years to come. (Best 2017-2034)"
"Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
"This wine is a candidate for one of the finest Brunello di Montalcinos of the vintage. A thick looking color suggests considerable intensity and extraction. The huge nose of black truffles, jammy black-cherries, and toasty new oak is followed by a massively-endowed, full-bodied, immensely concentrated wine that tastes almost sweet because of the exceptional ripeness and fruit density. No doubt there is significant tannin lurking beneath the layers of fat and glycerin. This is a terrific Brunello di Montalcino for drinking over the next 20 years. Unfortunately, as with so many great wines, quantities are minuscule."
"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso offers plenty of richness and density in its soft, caressing fruit. The Pianrosso is made in a decidedly opulent style that pushes the limits of ripeness to the extreme. The wine’s balance is acceptable today, but I am less convinced about the future. Both bottles I tasted were overripe and pruney. This is one of the disappointments among Montalcino’s elite bottlings in 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018."
"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is fresher, more floral and more delineated than the straight Brunello bottling. There is plenty of Ciacci depth and muscle in the glass. Layers of dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and spices wrap around the intense, deep finish. This is a huge wine with tons of 2007 Castelnuovo character, but also with enough freshness to balance out the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2007 is a big improvement over the 2006, which remains an underachiever relative to Ciacci’s historical track record of excellence. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027."
"The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso possesses striking depth as endless layers of sweet, perfumed fruit emerge with tons of grace. This, too, is an intense, full-bodied wine. The balance here is utterly exceptional, and the wine’s sheer plumpness makes for a highly rewarding glass of Brunello. Succulent dark cherries, spices, underbrush, minerals and new leather come to life as the wine sits in the glass, yet this remains a backward, structured Brunello in need of serious bottle age. The Pianrosso is a terrific effort from proprietor Paolo Bianchini. Ciacci’s Pianrosso is an old-vines selection that spent 36 months in Slavonian oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
"The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso is made from the estate’s oldest vineyards. It is vinified along the same line as the regular bottling, but gets a few additional months in cask prior to bottling. This full-bodied, velvety Brunello is endowed with plenty of dark fruit, smoke, iron and tar. The tannins finish big, but the wine appears to have enough depth and length on the palate to provide a good measure of balance. The Pianrosso comes across as surprisingly fresh in this vintage, which should allow it to age more gracefully, if not necessarily longer, than the normal bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Proprietor Paolo Bianchini is upbeat about his 2003 Brunellos. It is the first vintage in which he had the tools to perform a cold soak, which he feels was especially critical in preserving as much freshness as possible in the wines. For the Brunellos, fermentation and maceration lasted several weeks and the wines were aged in cask."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a full-bodied, backward, seriously-endowed, muscular offering requiring an additional 3-5 years of bottle age. It is not for those who are unable to defer their gratification. The wine exhibits Asian spice, black cherry, and grilled meat aromas and flavors intermixed with dried Provencal herb and underbrush notes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999."
This is all about finesse and beauty with such great length and polish. It literally melts in your mouth. Full-bodied yet agile and vivid. So many undertones of cedar, berries, cream and light toffee. Fabulous. Contender for the wine of the vintage.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. The palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. Tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure. Drink 2022–2032.
Faccino DoctorWine
Da uve sangiovese, matura a lungo in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati. Note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al fruttato rosso e a note evolutive della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca le progressione. Un Brunello austero, estremo nella sua classicità, che necessita di una profonda conoscenza della storia aziendale e del vigneto per essere apprezzato in pieno.
Aromas of red - red like the strawberry and sour cherry that dominate on the nose, recurring precisely in the mouth, taking off with a sweet and slightly round dimension that recalls strawberry, and then tapering off on the tonality of pomegranate and rhubarb. A spicy complexity with a touch of star anise. Powdery tannins.
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of the headline estates of Montalcino and the Pianrosso single vineyard is known for its consistency and the steady grace of its performance. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso does not quite reach the heights of the outstanding 2010 vintage. This release comes near in terms of power and purity, although it bears some of the weight of the hot vintage. The darkness of fruit is more pronounced and the tannins are a bit softer. Make no mistake, the thick soils of the Pianrosso site have helped to achieve impressive balance. The long finish offers tobacco, balsam herb and dried fruit. By Monica Larner
This red balances juicy cherry and plum fruit, tobacco and leather accents, and firm yet pliable tannins. As a result, this is vibrant and long, with earth and iron elements emerging on the aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033.
92/100
Fully ripe and smoky on the nose, with sweet plum and aniseed. Big and broad in the mouth, with liquorice and woodsmoke notes engraving juicy blackberry fruit. Harmonious, long and impressive. Drink 2020 - 2028.
A wealth of coffee and spice aromas with ripe fruit. Full body and round tannins. Delicious and rich. Flavorful finish. Opulent style. Drink or hold.
Da uve sangiovese, matura 3 anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati, ha un olfatto con le classiche note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al frutto rosso e a sentori evolutivi della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca la progressione. Austero, estremo nella sua classicità.
Although this wine is not labeled as a riserva, it is released six years after the harvest as if it were one. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 20,000 bottles produced) opens to balanced fragrances that mix fruity elements with spice, crushed stone and smoke. This wine is linear and direct with firm tannic support at the back. Give it another few years to flesh out further with additional bottle aging. (2020 - 2035)
Intense and complex aromas of red-berried ripe fruit. Cherry, in particular. It tastes rich, hot and full-bodied on the palate, with a good sharpness. It is characterized by soft tannins and a special finish where aromatic herbs and tobacco can be definitely considered the main characters.
Deep ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of red berry liqueur, Asian spices, potpourri and licorice, with a herbal quality adding lift. Big, rich and dense, with sappy cherry-cola and raspberry flavors picking up a refreshingly savory edge with air. Finishes long, showcasing excellent clarity and power. --- Ian D'Agata
92/100
Enticing, with warm, savory notes of cardamom, cinnamon and tobacco adding depth to the plum and mulled cherry flavors. Leather and iron accents emerge on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036.–BS
Cellar Selection
Wild-berry, fragrant purple-flower and crushed aromatic herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather on this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an age-worthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced, with bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2021–2033.
Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.
Granato trasparente. Profilo aromatico ampio e coinvolgente, con dolci sensazioni di gelatina di ribes, caramella al lampone, tisana ai frutti di bosco, cioccolato al latte, cenni di noce di cola, chinotto, tabacco da pipa, origano disidratato, il tutto incorniciato da un’eco di eucalipto, china e grafite. In bocca sfoggia eleganza, delicata sapidità, tannino setoso, freschezza e persistenti ritorni fruttati e mentolati, ben glossati da un’idea di spezie piccanti. Oltre tre anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia tra i 7,5 e i 62 hl.
Preciso al naso e dal carattere esuberante mostra mille sfumature di rosso nel calice e sentori di prugne nere, cassis, foglia di mirto, radice di ginseng e bergamotto. Si esalta e completa grazie ai sentori di petali di rosa appassita e rosa canina. Corpo pieno, tannini setosi senza cuciture, che accarezzano il palato e accompagnano durante la progressione ed un finale vivace e di egregia qualità. Un capolavoro prodotto a Montalcino in un’annata straordinaria in Toscana. Meglio dal 2022.
Aroma caldo e maturo nei sentori con prugna rossa, cassis e mirto. Camomilla in sottofondo a donare complessità. Corpo pieno, tannino soffice ed un finale chiaro ed energico. Bevi ora.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.
Tasted blind, just ruby with organge tinges. Quite closed on the fruit right now, showing only savoury notes. Supple and quite ripe and sweet fruit that is almos a little singed. Quite developed already. (WS)
A full, ripe and round grape blend showing a great thickness for a cornerstone in the appellation. Spicy nose displaying notes of alcohol-infused cherries, a trace of Taggiasca olives. The mouth is velvety, ample and fat. A charming finish that reveals all its sharpness as well as a superb persistence.
Deep red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, mocha, ginger and blood orange. Smooth and multifaceted, with strong licorice notes emerging on the long suave close. - Ian D'Agata
Only made in superior years such as 2015, Pianrosso is always crafted from a selection of the estate's oldest vines and is aged in wood for one year longer than the regular Brunello. Like the latter, the Pianrosso is dominated by mature nuances. Nevertheless, the heady bouquet of Indian spice, melted vanilla and sun dried sage is intriguing. Rather soft, yielding tannins and ripe fruit make for a round, easygoing mouthfeel. Latent sapidity injects vibrancy but I would still drink this in the near term. Drinking Window 2020 – 2027
Black cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors mark this saturated red. Beefy tannins offer support and all the components are in the right place. Stays fresh and long on the finish, with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and tobacco. Best from 2023 through 2043. — BS
Cellar Selection
Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035. - Kerin O'Keefe
Faccino DoctorWine
Lots going on here with black plums, ripe cherries, cedar, smoke and cocoa on the nose. Ash, chocolate, crushed walnuts and some praline. Mushrooms. This has firm, ripe tannins and a full body. Flavorful and juicy finish. Very structured. Drink after 2025.
A cornerstone for the appellation. Spicy nose with alcohol-infused cherries, an officinal trace of fresh marjoram; then, “taggiasche” olives. Taut and crunchy mouth with an excellent thickness. Savoury tannins closing on fruity notes.
Maturo ed essenziale offre note di amarene sotto spirito, ciliegie disidratate, fiori pressati e buccia di limone arsa. In sottofondo l’eleganza del profilo mediterraneo arricchisce la matrice con sfumature di timo e rosmarino. Corpo medio-pieno, succoso e centrato offre dei tannini setosi ed un finale esile di avvolgente armonia. Meglio dal 2021.
Dark, rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso boasts a display of ripe black fruits encased in an air of crushed stone, sage and exotic spice. While velvety and almost creamy in texture, it finds harmony through juicy acids and a mix of ripe black cherry and plums. Hints of licorice and baker’s chocolate balance the Pianrosso’s salty minerality and fine-grained tannins through the long and dramatic finale. There’s beautiful symmetry here for a wine with such power. Place this in the cellar for ten years or more; but don’t make the mistake of not checking in from time to time, because I expect the 2016 to enjoy a long and open drinking window. Eric Guido
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a single-vineyard expression that draws its fruit from an 11.7-hectare parcel with moderately thick galestro soils with ancient marine material. This special site, awash under the brilliant light of a big, open sky, does indeed deliver a more pronounced mineral signature, with wild berry, rose and rosemary essence. This is a beautiful wine, taut and silky, with elegant tannins that will endure ambitious bottle aging. Production is 37,000 bottles.
Aromas of red berry, camphor and tobacco meld with rose in this fragrant, full-bodied red. The smooth palate is concentrated yet elegant, featuring raspberry jam, cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and coffee bean alongside a backbone of firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2023–2031. KERIN O’KEEFE
Cherry, iron, sanguine and black tea flavors highlight this sinewy red. Vibrant and solidly built, shows assertive tannins lining the finish. Has enough ripe fruit to offset the structure, and the aftertaste persists, with fruit, iron and underbrush accents. Best from 2024 through 2045. 2,833 cases made, 900 cases imported. — BS
This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024.
A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh. -- Eric Guido
Extremely brilliant and mature in the glass showing notes of raspberries, currants, ripe cherries, red flowers, calendula, hawthorn and linden. A lot of citrus dominates the secondary scene and blend with hints of tobacco in this young Brunello. Full bodied, silky tannins and a warm, enveloping finale that gives pleasure in every sip. Slightly hot and spicy showing a subtle alcoholic perception in the aftertaste. Better from 2022.
Ciacci Piccolomini’s 12ha flagship vineyard, Pianrosso sits above the Orcia river between 240 and 360 metres. It is consistently caressed by sea breezes which surface in the afternoon. The lavish warmth of this southern zone is palpable in the heady 15% alcohol and soft, laidback acidity. Nevertheless, there is focus and liveliness. Orange blossom and persimmon aromas lead to flavours of toothsome red plum and an attractive lingering bergamot finish. While immediate and accessible with mellow tannins, there is enough substance to carry this 2017 for another five years. Drinking Window 2022 – 2027. - Michaela Morris.
This full-bodied red starts off with aromas of leather, forest floor and camphor. Enveloping and structured, the palate shows a weightless concentration, featuring dried cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of orange zest framed in velvety tannins. Drink 2024–2029. – Kerin O’Keefe
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note (plus a hefty 15% alcohol) that accompanies the wine from start to finish. Production is 37,000 bottles.
90/100
Shows a ripe cherry flavor melted with hints of blood orange, supported by firm sticky tannins and crisp acidity.
This red exhibits sappy, concentrated flavors of cherry, currant, plum, tobacco and soy. Shows intensity midpalate, persisting on the firm, chalky finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,093 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. — BS
1° position on TOP 10 BEST OF BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2017
Verführerische Fruchtnase mit Noten von Wildblumen und Gewürzen, Macchia- und Tabaknoten; am Gaumen geschliffen, das engmaschige Tannin und die akzentuierte Säure in perfekter Balance, der Abgang elegant und ellenlang. Hervorragend gemacht, hat Potenzial.
Maturo e ricercato mostra note di prugne rosse, caramello dolce, pepe bianco, cedro in pezzi e succo di limone. Tante erbe officinali descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo medio, tannini mordenti ed un finale che avrà bisogno di tempo per distendersi. Meglio dal 2025.
A certainty of the denomination for Bianchini family’s winery, located a few steps from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Very faceted nose, red currant, then marjoram and iodine touches, such as taggiasche olives. The sip is juicy-brackish, with fruity-officinal return and very long persistence.
Finissimo floreale, macchia mediterranea, ferroso e salino, tannino delicato con ritorni di olive e mandorle, molto rilassato ma sempre di ottima complessità, delicato etereo ma con trama tannica tambureggiante.
This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025.
Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and lifted. Drink 2025–2038. 14.5% abv. Kerin O’Keefe November 2022 ©kerinokeefe.com
Dark depths of crushed plums and black cherries are offset by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peels and hints of cocoa as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass. This is an especially racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, with cooling mineral tones and zesty acidity propelling its ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. While structured, this finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving the mouth watering with a lingering bitter hint of balsamic spice. The 2018 may not possess the power often associated with the Pianrosso, but it instead impresses with its lively and spicy character. – Eric Guido
Deep ruby with bricky rim. Concentrated sour-cherry nose with a suggestion of gingerbread. Becomes more complex with aeration. Lush, ripe fruit on the palate with polished tannins and tangy acidity. Great length and very accessible. (WS)
Both of Ciacci Piccolomini’s 2018s offer a ‘deliciousness’ of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite 12 hectares, this iron-rich marly vineyard soaked up just enough warmth to clearly demonstrate its southern origins. It has more shape, form and depth to lend endurance. Iron and salty minerals emerge from a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. Docile and yielding, the gentle sandy tannins give textural complexity as well as an immediate drinkability. - Michaela Morris.
A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. Production is 37,000 bottles.
A complex red, with dark, savory notes of licorice, eucalyptus and tobacco aligned with cherry and berry flavors. Succulent, showing light viscosity to the texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,083 cases made, 1,083 cases imported. - BS
Faccino DoctorWine
A cornerstone of the typology, we are in the southeastern region of the denomination, a stone’s throw from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Rich nose, notes of red mulberry, then rosemary and touches of Peranzana olives. The taste is savory, with a return of red mulberry and iodine-officinal shades.
Sweet berries and cherries on the nose, together with fresh violet and lilac notes. Full body with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish that opens on the palate. Lots of ripe cherry flavor. Tar, too. A rich and layered Pianrosso. One of the bigger, riper wines of the vintage, but still holds true. Try in 2027.
Prugne rosse, fragole, litchi, gerani in fiore, datteri, mandorle tritate, buccia di limone, lime, muschio bianco, cioccolato bianco, incenso, fiori misti, zenzero e zest di arancia nel profilo principale. C’è di più in sottofondo con le sfumature intrigante di bergamotto, cannella e chiodi di garofano. Corpo pieno, tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed un finale classico di stampo lineare e dal carattere italiano. Meglio dal 2025.
Boasting great depth and extreme elegance, the drop-dead gorgeous Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosso delivers crushed raspberry, succulent Morello cherry, star anise and crushed mint flavors while aromas of eucalyptus, wild rose, new leather and forest floor continuously lift out of the glass. It’s a smooth, stunning wine, with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that lend great aging potential and energy. Absolutely stunning. Drink 2029–2044. Kerin O’Keefe September 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
Aged in Slavonian oak for 36 months, Pianrosso is a selection from the self-titled vineyard: 11 hectares in the lower southeast of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, suggesting a classic vintage. It shines for its Earl Grey tea aroma combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise; gorgeous in this vintage. Full bodied, thick and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers on the finish but this should be considered a signifier of its elegance. - Aldo Fiordelli.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a wide and all-encompassing bouquet with dried cherry or cherry pie with the crust, plum tart and rose potpourri. There are evident oak tones, but they fold into underbrush, grilled herb and the generous texture of this wine. Likewise, the 15% alcohol content also neatly disappears into the wine's fleshy fruit consistency. For sure, this is a wine that needs more bottle evolution in order to hone in on the silkiness and pretty freshness of such an important Sangiovese. Exactly 43,054 bottles were made along with about 1,000 larger formats.
Vielschichtiges Bouquet nach Waldfrüchten, Gewürzen, Unterholz und getrockneten Blumen; im Mund überaus präzise, die Tannine feinkörnig und gut eingebunden, die Säure akzentuiert: passgenauer Wein mit Charakter und Finesse.
This red pulls you toward the sanguine and iron side of Sangiovese, with a core of cherry and plum flavors that shows accents of oak spice and eucalyptus. There’s hard edge of tannins rimming the finish,leaving a compact feel. Best from 2027 through 2039. 5000 cases made, 2830 cases imported.
Faccino DoctorWine
Faccino DoctorWine
Intense, vibrant aromas of strawberries and raspberries, together with cola and flowery notes. Milk and mint nuances, too. Shows a lot of licorice elegance and blood-orange freshness on both the nose and palate with firm, velvety tannins and well-packed, brilliant acidity and a polished finish. Good aftertaste and amazing potential. Very classic. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
Scuro e profondo al naso mostra note di incenso, sandalo, cumino foglie di tè nero, datteri, bergamotto, china e pepe nero. Tante sfumature di pepe rosa, bacche di ginepro, salvia, alloro, radice di ginseng, camomilla e ginestra descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo pieno, fresco e balsamico nel sorso mostra tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed una bellezza di sorso disarmante. Che bello. Bevi ora o invecchia.
Bold and concentrated, the 2020 Pianrosso offers pronounced aromas of dark spice, camphor, dried herb, citrus and wild berry that mingle with new leather. On the powerfully built, savory palate, tightly woven, close-grained tannins envelop liquor-soaked cherry, orange peel, licorice and tobacco before closing on a note recalling almond liqueur. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted. Drink 2029–2036. Abv: 15.5% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 43,000 bottles made along with some larger formats) is a little overdone in my opinion in terms of ripeness and its powerful 15.5% alcoholic content. The bouquet reveals dark fruit aromas, cherry liqueur, brandied plum and sweet crème de cassis. This is a thickly grained Brunello with a soft, richly textured core. I recommend a medium-term drinking window, although that touch of tannic astringency might never fully integrate.
Vineyard of the same name, located in the south-eastern quadrant of the appellation, vinified in stainless steel and glass cement tanks, aged in oak, notes of cornflower, then hints of rosemary and caper under salt, salty sip, with return of small fruits and officinal references.
Prodotto solo nelle annate migliori ed esclusivamente con uve provenienti dai vigneti di Pianrosso è il vino che da sempre rappresenta in modo autorevole il terroir ed il nome dell’azienda.
Da questi vigneti vengono anche selezionate le uve da destinare alla tipologia Riserva.
11,69 ettari si fregiano della dizione "Pianrosso", situati in terreni di medio impasto e galestro di origine eocenica tra i 240 e i 360 metri s.l.m.
100% Sangiovese.
in recipienti di acciaio inox e vasche di cemento vetrificate a temperatura controllata tramite camicie di raffreddamento e piastre ad immersione.
In botti di rovere per un periodo prolungato, seguito da un ulteriore affinamento in bottiglia.
Rosso rubino tendente al granato.
Profumi intensi e complessi. Sensazioni di frutta matura a bacca rossa si completano con svariate note speziate; al gusto è caldo, armonico con tannini pronunciati; un vino di corpo con lunga persistenza gusto-olfattiva che potrà ancora evolversi con un lungo invecchiamento in bottiglia.
Stappare un’ora prima della mescita e servire a 18°C in calice di cristallo a forma "ballon". Le bottiglie vanno conservate al buio, distese al fresco e senza sbalzi di temperatura.
Ideale con cacciagione arrosto o in umido e con primi piatti con condimento a base delle stesse carni. Ottimo anche con formaggi stagionati.
Le bottiglie sono tutelate grazie ad un ologramma anticontraffazione sulla capsula.
"Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It's so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph."
"Rich, with cherry and strawberry notes, tinged by leather, bitter almond and tobacco flavors. Firm and angular, presenting a long, iron- and tea-accented finish. Turns more supple with air, but remains solidly built for the long haul. Best from 2019 through 2033. 2,916 cases made." - B.S.
"Beautiful and delicate from the start, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso impresses for its depth and balance. The wine sees one more year of oak cask aging compared to the base Brunello and you can definitely sense the extra spice on the nose. Those delicate balsam notes of root beer, ginger and rosemary oil are still prominently on display. Rich spice, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, prune, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a terrific effort that promises a steady evolution ahead."
"Very dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of ripe fruit, fresh porcini and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with fabulous texture of velvety and complex fruit character. Incredibly long. I have always loved this wine. I like it better than the riserva in 1997.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 2,500 cases made." - B.S.
"This is gorgeous with seductive cedar, tobacco, berry and Indian spices on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a tobacco, coffee and berry aftertaste. Refined. Best after 2007. 4,000 cases made."- B.S.
"Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious fruit. Very attractive. Hard not to drink it now. Best from 2010 through 2015. 4,400 cases made." - B.S
"A mix of cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and dried beef aromas and flavors make this complex in a lighter style. Balanced between the fruit, moderate acidity and tannins. Very elegant. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Graphite and cedar aromas lead off in this cherry-, strawberry- and licorice-flavored red. This is firm, with quiet intensity and a dense, spice-infused finish. Best from 2015 through 2030. 2,900 cases made. " - B.S.
"This is a very rich Sangiovese on the nose with dried black cherries and strawberries. Lots of dark chocolate too. Loads of black chocolate cake and dried coffee cake character. Full and very powerful. Lots of ripe tannins. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2014."
"Aromas of dried cherries and plums with hints of flowers follow through to a full body with velvety tannins and a juicy, meaty, fruity aftertaste. Turns to chocolate powder as well. Drink or hold."
"The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is more layered, perfumed and subtle than the straight Brunello. Freshly cut flowers, dark red fruit, licorice, spices and menthol are all layered together nicely in the glass. A wine of considerable texture and depth, the 2008 Pianrosso should drink well for at least a handful of years. There is no shortage of depth, richness or complexity in this fine effort. This is an especially concentrated style for the year, but it works. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2025."
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999." -B.S.
"Delicate and traditional, with floral, berry and leather aromas and flavors. Medium in body, with medium tannins and a light, crisp finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made." - B.S.
"Very aromatic wine, with dried berries and cherries throughout. Medium- to full-bodied, with very soft, round tannins and a long, long finish. An absolute joy to drink. Drink now. 800 cases made." - B.S.
"Papery, with plum, leaf and herb aromas. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a short finish. Drink now. 1,900 cases made." -B.S.
"Wild berry, cherry and floral aromas to this Brunello. Full-bodied, with big, silky tannins and loads of exciting fruit. Lively, yet refined. These wines are a joy to taste. Giuseppe Bianchini is a master in the vineyards. Best after 2004. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Very tight and firm, with hints of fresh flowers, berries and fresh meat. Full-bodied, chewy and silky, with hints of mineral and fruit. Long finish. This is a wine that needs bottle age. Strangely, I like the 1998 better and, of course, the 1997. Best after 2006. 4,100 cases made." - B.S.
"Impressive. Lots of jam on the nose, with hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, round and soft, with lots of fruit. Thick and generous. Very well done. Best after 2006. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"A full-bodied red, showing aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla and mild spice, with a meaty note. Full, firm and flavorful. Tight and very concentrated now, but should expand with time. Best after 2010. 2,916 cases made." -B.S.
"Silky and elegant, offering cherry, raspberry, currant and violet aromas and flavors. Detailed and firmly structured, with refined tannins and a lingering aftertaste of red fruits. A Brunello of finesse and harmony. Best from 2012 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S
"The 2010 'Pianrosso' is an absolutely gorgeous single vineyard cru Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. It delivers wonderful aromas of fresh blackberries and plums, which are woven together with floral, earthy minerals, aged balsamic and sweet red licorice, all coming together beautifully in the glass. The full body is nicely balanced, supported by ripe tannins and a beautiful fine, silky texture. So pure and elegant as it finesses its way through the long, pretty finish. Not quite as accessible and open as the Brunello normale, so it will require a bit more patience, but that being said there's a lovely future ahead for this Pianrosso and it will be interesting to watch it evolve for years to come. (Best 2017-2034)"
"Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
"This wine is a candidate for one of the finest Brunello di Montalcinos of the vintage. A thick looking color suggests considerable intensity and extraction. The huge nose of black truffles, jammy black-cherries, and toasty new oak is followed by a massively-endowed, full-bodied, immensely concentrated wine that tastes almost sweet because of the exceptional ripeness and fruit density. No doubt there is significant tannin lurking beneath the layers of fat and glycerin. This is a terrific Brunello di Montalcino for drinking over the next 20 years. Unfortunately, as with so many great wines, quantities are minuscule."
"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso offers plenty of richness and density in its soft, caressing fruit. The Pianrosso is made in a decidedly opulent style that pushes the limits of ripeness to the extreme. The wine’s balance is acceptable today, but I am less convinced about the future. Both bottles I tasted were overripe and pruney. This is one of the disappointments among Montalcino’s elite bottlings in 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018."
"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is fresher, more floral and more delineated than the straight Brunello bottling. There is plenty of Ciacci depth and muscle in the glass. Layers of dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and spices wrap around the intense, deep finish. This is a huge wine with tons of 2007 Castelnuovo character, but also with enough freshness to balance out the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2007 is a big improvement over the 2006, which remains an underachiever relative to Ciacci’s historical track record of excellence. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027."
"The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso possesses striking depth as endless layers of sweet, perfumed fruit emerge with tons of grace. This, too, is an intense, full-bodied wine. The balance here is utterly exceptional, and the wine’s sheer plumpness makes for a highly rewarding glass of Brunello. Succulent dark cherries, spices, underbrush, minerals and new leather come to life as the wine sits in the glass, yet this remains a backward, structured Brunello in need of serious bottle age. The Pianrosso is a terrific effort from proprietor Paolo Bianchini. Ciacci’s Pianrosso is an old-vines selection that spent 36 months in Slavonian oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
"The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso is made from the estate’s oldest vineyards. It is vinified along the same line as the regular bottling, but gets a few additional months in cask prior to bottling. This full-bodied, velvety Brunello is endowed with plenty of dark fruit, smoke, iron and tar. The tannins finish big, but the wine appears to have enough depth and length on the palate to provide a good measure of balance. The Pianrosso comes across as surprisingly fresh in this vintage, which should allow it to age more gracefully, if not necessarily longer, than the normal bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Proprietor Paolo Bianchini is upbeat about his 2003 Brunellos. It is the first vintage in which he had the tools to perform a cold soak, which he feels was especially critical in preserving as much freshness as possible in the wines. For the Brunellos, fermentation and maceration lasted several weeks and the wines were aged in cask."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a full-bodied, backward, seriously-endowed, muscular offering requiring an additional 3-5 years of bottle age. It is not for those who are unable to defer their gratification. The wine exhibits Asian spice, black cherry, and grilled meat aromas and flavors intermixed with dried Provencal herb and underbrush notes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999."
This is all about finesse and beauty with such great length and polish. It literally melts in your mouth. Full-bodied yet agile and vivid. So many undertones of cedar, berries, cream and light toffee. Fabulous. Contender for the wine of the vintage.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. The palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. Tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure. Drink 2022–2032.
Faccino DoctorWine
Da uve sangiovese, matura a lungo in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati. Note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al fruttato rosso e a note evolutive della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca le progressione. Un Brunello austero, estremo nella sua classicità, che necessita di una profonda conoscenza della storia aziendale e del vigneto per essere apprezzato in pieno.
Aromas of red - red like the strawberry and sour cherry that dominate on the nose, recurring precisely in the mouth, taking off with a sweet and slightly round dimension that recalls strawberry, and then tapering off on the tonality of pomegranate and rhubarb. A spicy complexity with a touch of star anise. Powdery tannins.
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of the headline estates of Montalcino and the Pianrosso single vineyard is known for its consistency and the steady grace of its performance. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso does not quite reach the heights of the outstanding 2010 vintage. This release comes near in terms of power and purity, although it bears some of the weight of the hot vintage. The darkness of fruit is more pronounced and the tannins are a bit softer. Make no mistake, the thick soils of the Pianrosso site have helped to achieve impressive balance. The long finish offers tobacco, balsam herb and dried fruit. By Monica Larner
This red balances juicy cherry and plum fruit, tobacco and leather accents, and firm yet pliable tannins. As a result, this is vibrant and long, with earth and iron elements emerging on the aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033.
92/100
Fully ripe and smoky on the nose, with sweet plum and aniseed. Big and broad in the mouth, with liquorice and woodsmoke notes engraving juicy blackberry fruit. Harmonious, long and impressive. Drink 2020 - 2028.
A wealth of coffee and spice aromas with ripe fruit. Full body and round tannins. Delicious and rich. Flavorful finish. Opulent style. Drink or hold.
Da uve sangiovese, matura 3 anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati, ha un olfatto con le classiche note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al frutto rosso e a sentori evolutivi della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca la progressione. Austero, estremo nella sua classicità.
Although this wine is not labeled as a riserva, it is released six years after the harvest as if it were one. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 20,000 bottles produced) opens to balanced fragrances that mix fruity elements with spice, crushed stone and smoke. This wine is linear and direct with firm tannic support at the back. Give it another few years to flesh out further with additional bottle aging. (2020 - 2035)
Intense and complex aromas of red-berried ripe fruit. Cherry, in particular. It tastes rich, hot and full-bodied on the palate, with a good sharpness. It is characterized by soft tannins and a special finish where aromatic herbs and tobacco can be definitely considered the main characters.
Deep ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of red berry liqueur, Asian spices, potpourri and licorice, with a herbal quality adding lift. Big, rich and dense, with sappy cherry-cola and raspberry flavors picking up a refreshingly savory edge with air. Finishes long, showcasing excellent clarity and power. --- Ian D'Agata
92/100
Enticing, with warm, savory notes of cardamom, cinnamon and tobacco adding depth to the plum and mulled cherry flavors. Leather and iron accents emerge on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036.–BS
Cellar Selection
Wild-berry, fragrant purple-flower and crushed aromatic herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather on this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an age-worthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced, with bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2021–2033.
Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.
Granato trasparente. Profilo aromatico ampio e coinvolgente, con dolci sensazioni di gelatina di ribes, caramella al lampone, tisana ai frutti di bosco, cioccolato al latte, cenni di noce di cola, chinotto, tabacco da pipa, origano disidratato, il tutto incorniciato da un’eco di eucalipto, china e grafite. In bocca sfoggia eleganza, delicata sapidità, tannino setoso, freschezza e persistenti ritorni fruttati e mentolati, ben glossati da un’idea di spezie piccanti. Oltre tre anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia tra i 7,5 e i 62 hl.
Preciso al naso e dal carattere esuberante mostra mille sfumature di rosso nel calice e sentori di prugne nere, cassis, foglia di mirto, radice di ginseng e bergamotto. Si esalta e completa grazie ai sentori di petali di rosa appassita e rosa canina. Corpo pieno, tannini setosi senza cuciture, che accarezzano il palato e accompagnano durante la progressione ed un finale vivace e di egregia qualità. Un capolavoro prodotto a Montalcino in un’annata straordinaria in Toscana. Meglio dal 2022.
Aroma caldo e maturo nei sentori con prugna rossa, cassis e mirto. Camomilla in sottofondo a donare complessità. Corpo pieno, tannino soffice ed un finale chiaro ed energico. Bevi ora.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.
Tasted blind, just ruby with organge tinges. Quite closed on the fruit right now, showing only savoury notes. Supple and quite ripe and sweet fruit that is almos a little singed. Quite developed already. (WS)
A full, ripe and round grape blend showing a great thickness for a cornerstone in the appellation. Spicy nose displaying notes of alcohol-infused cherries, a trace of Taggiasca olives. The mouth is velvety, ample and fat. A charming finish that reveals all its sharpness as well as a superb persistence.
Deep red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, mocha, ginger and blood orange. Smooth and multifaceted, with strong licorice notes emerging on the long suave close. - Ian D'Agata
Only made in superior years such as 2015, Pianrosso is always crafted from a selection of the estate's oldest vines and is aged in wood for one year longer than the regular Brunello. Like the latter, the Pianrosso is dominated by mature nuances. Nevertheless, the heady bouquet of Indian spice, melted vanilla and sun dried sage is intriguing. Rather soft, yielding tannins and ripe fruit make for a round, easygoing mouthfeel. Latent sapidity injects vibrancy but I would still drink this in the near term. Drinking Window 2020 – 2027
Black cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors mark this saturated red. Beefy tannins offer support and all the components are in the right place. Stays fresh and long on the finish, with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and tobacco. Best from 2023 through 2043. — BS
Cellar Selection
Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035. - Kerin O'Keefe
Faccino DoctorWine
Lots going on here with black plums, ripe cherries, cedar, smoke and cocoa on the nose. Ash, chocolate, crushed walnuts and some praline. Mushrooms. This has firm, ripe tannins and a full body. Flavorful and juicy finish. Very structured. Drink after 2025.
A cornerstone for the appellation. Spicy nose with alcohol-infused cherries, an officinal trace of fresh marjoram; then, “taggiasche” olives. Taut and crunchy mouth with an excellent thickness. Savoury tannins closing on fruity notes.
Maturo ed essenziale offre note di amarene sotto spirito, ciliegie disidratate, fiori pressati e buccia di limone arsa. In sottofondo l’eleganza del profilo mediterraneo arricchisce la matrice con sfumature di timo e rosmarino. Corpo medio-pieno, succoso e centrato offre dei tannini setosi ed un finale esile di avvolgente armonia. Meglio dal 2021.
Dark, rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso boasts a display of ripe black fruits encased in an air of crushed stone, sage and exotic spice. While velvety and almost creamy in texture, it finds harmony through juicy acids and a mix of ripe black cherry and plums. Hints of licorice and baker’s chocolate balance the Pianrosso’s salty minerality and fine-grained tannins through the long and dramatic finale. There’s beautiful symmetry here for a wine with such power. Place this in the cellar for ten years or more; but don’t make the mistake of not checking in from time to time, because I expect the 2016 to enjoy a long and open drinking window. Eric Guido
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a single-vineyard expression that draws its fruit from an 11.7-hectare parcel with moderately thick galestro soils with ancient marine material. This special site, awash under the brilliant light of a big, open sky, does indeed deliver a more pronounced mineral signature, with wild berry, rose and rosemary essence. This is a beautiful wine, taut and silky, with elegant tannins that will endure ambitious bottle aging. Production is 37,000 bottles.
Aromas of red berry, camphor and tobacco meld with rose in this fragrant, full-bodied red. The smooth palate is concentrated yet elegant, featuring raspberry jam, cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and coffee bean alongside a backbone of firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2023–2031. KERIN O’KEEFE
Cherry, iron, sanguine and black tea flavors highlight this sinewy red. Vibrant and solidly built, shows assertive tannins lining the finish. Has enough ripe fruit to offset the structure, and the aftertaste persists, with fruit, iron and underbrush accents. Best from 2024 through 2045. 2,833 cases made, 900 cases imported. — BS
This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024.
A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh. -- Eric Guido
Extremely brilliant and mature in the glass showing notes of raspberries, currants, ripe cherries, red flowers, calendula, hawthorn and linden. A lot of citrus dominates the secondary scene and blend with hints of tobacco in this young Brunello. Full bodied, silky tannins and a warm, enveloping finale that gives pleasure in every sip. Slightly hot and spicy showing a subtle alcoholic perception in the aftertaste. Better from 2022.
Ciacci Piccolomini’s 12ha flagship vineyard, Pianrosso sits above the Orcia river between 240 and 360 metres. It is consistently caressed by sea breezes which surface in the afternoon. The lavish warmth of this southern zone is palpable in the heady 15% alcohol and soft, laidback acidity. Nevertheless, there is focus and liveliness. Orange blossom and persimmon aromas lead to flavours of toothsome red plum and an attractive lingering bergamot finish. While immediate and accessible with mellow tannins, there is enough substance to carry this 2017 for another five years. Drinking Window 2022 – 2027. - Michaela Morris.
This full-bodied red starts off with aromas of leather, forest floor and camphor. Enveloping and structured, the palate shows a weightless concentration, featuring dried cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of orange zest framed in velvety tannins. Drink 2024–2029. – Kerin O’Keefe
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note (plus a hefty 15% alcohol) that accompanies the wine from start to finish. Production is 37,000 bottles.
90/100
Shows a ripe cherry flavor melted with hints of blood orange, supported by firm sticky tannins and crisp acidity.
This red exhibits sappy, concentrated flavors of cherry, currant, plum, tobacco and soy. Shows intensity midpalate, persisting on the firm, chalky finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,093 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. — BS
1° position on TOP 10 BEST OF BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2017
Verführerische Fruchtnase mit Noten von Wildblumen und Gewürzen, Macchia- und Tabaknoten; am Gaumen geschliffen, das engmaschige Tannin und die akzentuierte Säure in perfekter Balance, der Abgang elegant und ellenlang. Hervorragend gemacht, hat Potenzial.
Maturo e ricercato mostra note di prugne rosse, caramello dolce, pepe bianco, cedro in pezzi e succo di limone. Tante erbe officinali descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo medio, tannini mordenti ed un finale che avrà bisogno di tempo per distendersi. Meglio dal 2025.
A certainty of the denomination for Bianchini family’s winery, located a few steps from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Very faceted nose, red currant, then marjoram and iodine touches, such as taggiasche olives. The sip is juicy-brackish, with fruity-officinal return and very long persistence.
Finissimo floreale, macchia mediterranea, ferroso e salino, tannino delicato con ritorni di olive e mandorle, molto rilassato ma sempre di ottima complessità, delicato etereo ma con trama tannica tambureggiante.
This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025.
Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and lifted. Drink 2025–2038. 14.5% abv. Kerin O’Keefe November 2022 ©kerinokeefe.com
Dark depths of crushed plums and black cherries are offset by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peels and hints of cocoa as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass. This is an especially racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, with cooling mineral tones and zesty acidity propelling its ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. While structured, this finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving the mouth watering with a lingering bitter hint of balsamic spice. The 2018 may not possess the power often associated with the Pianrosso, but it instead impresses with its lively and spicy character. – Eric Guido
Deep ruby with bricky rim. Concentrated sour-cherry nose with a suggestion of gingerbread. Becomes more complex with aeration. Lush, ripe fruit on the palate with polished tannins and tangy acidity. Great length and very accessible. (WS)
Both of Ciacci Piccolomini’s 2018s offer a ‘deliciousness’ of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite 12 hectares, this iron-rich marly vineyard soaked up just enough warmth to clearly demonstrate its southern origins. It has more shape, form and depth to lend endurance. Iron and salty minerals emerge from a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. Docile and yielding, the gentle sandy tannins give textural complexity as well as an immediate drinkability. - Michaela Morris.
A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. Production is 37,000 bottles.
A complex red, with dark, savory notes of licorice, eucalyptus and tobacco aligned with cherry and berry flavors. Succulent, showing light viscosity to the texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,083 cases made, 1,083 cases imported. - BS
Faccino DoctorWine
A cornerstone of the typology, we are in the southeastern region of the denomination, a stone’s throw from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Rich nose, notes of red mulberry, then rosemary and touches of Peranzana olives. The taste is savory, with a return of red mulberry and iodine-officinal shades.
Sweet berries and cherries on the nose, together with fresh violet and lilac notes. Full body with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish that opens on the palate. Lots of ripe cherry flavor. Tar, too. A rich and layered Pianrosso. One of the bigger, riper wines of the vintage, but still holds true. Try in 2027.
Prugne rosse, fragole, litchi, gerani in fiore, datteri, mandorle tritate, buccia di limone, lime, muschio bianco, cioccolato bianco, incenso, fiori misti, zenzero e zest di arancia nel profilo principale. C’è di più in sottofondo con le sfumature intrigante di bergamotto, cannella e chiodi di garofano. Corpo pieno, tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed un finale classico di stampo lineare e dal carattere italiano. Meglio dal 2025.
Boasting great depth and extreme elegance, the drop-dead gorgeous Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosso delivers crushed raspberry, succulent Morello cherry, star anise and crushed mint flavors while aromas of eucalyptus, wild rose, new leather and forest floor continuously lift out of the glass. It’s a smooth, stunning wine, with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that lend great aging potential and energy. Absolutely stunning. Drink 2029–2044. Kerin O’Keefe September 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
Aged in Slavonian oak for 36 months, Pianrosso is a selection from the self-titled vineyard: 11 hectares in the lower southeast of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, suggesting a classic vintage. It shines for its Earl Grey tea aroma combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise; gorgeous in this vintage. Full bodied, thick and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers on the finish but this should be considered a signifier of its elegance. - Aldo Fiordelli.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a wide and all-encompassing bouquet with dried cherry or cherry pie with the crust, plum tart and rose potpourri. There are evident oak tones, but they fold into underbrush, grilled herb and the generous texture of this wine. Likewise, the 15% alcohol content also neatly disappears into the wine's fleshy fruit consistency. For sure, this is a wine that needs more bottle evolution in order to hone in on the silkiness and pretty freshness of such an important Sangiovese. Exactly 43,054 bottles were made along with about 1,000 larger formats.
Vielschichtiges Bouquet nach Waldfrüchten, Gewürzen, Unterholz und getrockneten Blumen; im Mund überaus präzise, die Tannine feinkörnig und gut eingebunden, die Säure akzentuiert: passgenauer Wein mit Charakter und Finesse.
This red pulls you toward the sanguine and iron side of Sangiovese, with a core of cherry and plum flavors that shows accents of oak spice and eucalyptus. There’s hard edge of tannins rimming the finish,leaving a compact feel. Best from 2027 through 2039. 5000 cases made, 2830 cases imported.
Faccino DoctorWine
Faccino DoctorWine
Intense, vibrant aromas of strawberries and raspberries, together with cola and flowery notes. Milk and mint nuances, too. Shows a lot of licorice elegance and blood-orange freshness on both the nose and palate with firm, velvety tannins and well-packed, brilliant acidity and a polished finish. Good aftertaste and amazing potential. Very classic. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
Scuro e profondo al naso mostra note di incenso, sandalo, cumino foglie di tè nero, datteri, bergamotto, china e pepe nero. Tante sfumature di pepe rosa, bacche di ginepro, salvia, alloro, radice di ginseng, camomilla e ginestra descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo pieno, fresco e balsamico nel sorso mostra tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed una bellezza di sorso disarmante. Che bello. Bevi ora o invecchia.
Bold and concentrated, the 2020 Pianrosso offers pronounced aromas of dark spice, camphor, dried herb, citrus and wild berry that mingle with new leather. On the powerfully built, savory palate, tightly woven, close-grained tannins envelop liquor-soaked cherry, orange peel, licorice and tobacco before closing on a note recalling almond liqueur. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted. Drink 2029–2036. Abv: 15.5% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 43,000 bottles made along with some larger formats) is a little overdone in my opinion in terms of ripeness and its powerful 15.5% alcoholic content. The bouquet reveals dark fruit aromas, cherry liqueur, brandied plum and sweet crème de cassis. This is a thickly grained Brunello with a soft, richly textured core. I recommend a medium-term drinking window, although that touch of tannic astringency might never fully integrate.
Vineyard of the same name, located in the south-eastern quadrant of the appellation, vinified in stainless steel and glass cement tanks, aged in oak, notes of cornflower, then hints of rosemary and caper under salt, salty sip, with return of small fruits and officinal references.
Prodotto solo nelle annate migliori ed esclusivamente con uve provenienti dai vigneti di Pianrosso è il vino che da sempre rappresenta in modo autorevole il terroir ed il nome dell’azienda.
Da questi vigneti vengono anche selezionate le uve da destinare alla tipologia Riserva.
11,69 ettari si fregiano della dizione "Pianrosso", situati in terreni di medio impasto e galestro di origine eocenica tra i 240 e i 360 metri s.l.m.
100% Sangiovese
in recipienti di acciaio inox e vasche di cemento vetrificate a temperatura controllata tramite camicie di raffreddamento e piastre ad immersione.
In botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20 a 62 hl per circa 3 anni ed un affinamento in bottiglia superiore a 8 mesi.
Rosso rubino tendente al granato.
Profumi intensi e complessi. Sensazioni di frutta matura a bacca rossa si completano con svariate note speziate; al gusto è caldo, armonico con tannini pronunciati; un vino di corpo con lunga persistenza gusto-olfattiva che potrà ancora evolversi con un lungo invecchiamento in bottiglia.
Stappare un’ora prima della mescita e servire a 18°C in calice di cristallo a forma "ballon". Le bottiglie vanno conservate al buio, distese al fresco e senza sbalzi di temperatura.
Ideale con cacciagione arrosto o in umido e con primi piatti con condimento a base delle stesse carni. Ottimo anche con formaggi stagionati.
Le bottiglie sono tutelate grazie ad un ologramma anticontraffazione sulla capsula.
"Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It's so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph."
"Rich, with cherry and strawberry notes, tinged by leather, bitter almond and tobacco flavors. Firm and angular, presenting a long, iron- and tea-accented finish. Turns more supple with air, but remains solidly built for the long haul. Best from 2019 through 2033. 2,916 cases made." - B.S.
"Beautiful and delicate from the start, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso impresses for its depth and balance. The wine sees one more year of oak cask aging compared to the base Brunello and you can definitely sense the extra spice on the nose. Those delicate balsam notes of root beer, ginger and rosemary oil are still prominently on display. Rich spice, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, prune, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a terrific effort that promises a steady evolution ahead."
"Very dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of ripe fruit, fresh porcini and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with fabulous texture of velvety and complex fruit character. Incredibly long. I have always loved this wine. I like it better than the riserva in 1997.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 2,500 cases made." - B.S.
"This is gorgeous with seductive cedar, tobacco, berry and Indian spices on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a tobacco, coffee and berry aftertaste. Refined. Best after 2007. 4,000 cases made."- B.S.
"Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious fruit. Very attractive. Hard not to drink it now. Best from 2010 through 2015. 4,400 cases made." - B.S
"A mix of cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and dried beef aromas and flavors make this complex in a lighter style. Balanced between the fruit, moderate acidity and tannins. Very elegant. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Graphite and cedar aromas lead off in this cherry-, strawberry- and licorice-flavored red. This is firm, with quiet intensity and a dense, spice-infused finish. Best from 2015 through 2030. 2,900 cases made. " - B.S.
"This is a very rich Sangiovese on the nose with dried black cherries and strawberries. Lots of dark chocolate too. Loads of black chocolate cake and dried coffee cake character. Full and very powerful. Lots of ripe tannins. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2014."
"Aromas of dried cherries and plums with hints of flowers follow through to a full body with velvety tannins and a juicy, meaty, fruity aftertaste. Turns to chocolate powder as well. Drink or hold."
"The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is more layered, perfumed and subtle than the straight Brunello. Freshly cut flowers, dark red fruit, licorice, spices and menthol are all layered together nicely in the glass. A wine of considerable texture and depth, the 2008 Pianrosso should drink well for at least a handful of years. There is no shortage of depth, richness or complexity in this fine effort. This is an especially concentrated style for the year, but it works. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2025."
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999." -B.S.
"Delicate and traditional, with floral, berry and leather aromas and flavors. Medium in body, with medium tannins and a light, crisp finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made." - B.S.
"Very aromatic wine, with dried berries and cherries throughout. Medium- to full-bodied, with very soft, round tannins and a long, long finish. An absolute joy to drink. Drink now. 800 cases made." - B.S.
"Papery, with plum, leaf and herb aromas. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a short finish. Drink now. 1,900 cases made." -B.S.
"Wild berry, cherry and floral aromas to this Brunello. Full-bodied, with big, silky tannins and loads of exciting fruit. Lively, yet refined. These wines are a joy to taste. Giuseppe Bianchini is a master in the vineyards. Best after 2004. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Very tight and firm, with hints of fresh flowers, berries and fresh meat. Full-bodied, chewy and silky, with hints of mineral and fruit. Long finish. This is a wine that needs bottle age. Strangely, I like the 1998 better and, of course, the 1997. Best after 2006. 4,100 cases made." - B.S.
"Impressive. Lots of jam on the nose, with hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, round and soft, with lots of fruit. Thick and generous. Very well done. Best after 2006. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"A full-bodied red, showing aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla and mild spice, with a meaty note. Full, firm and flavorful. Tight and very concentrated now, but should expand with time. Best after 2010. 2,916 cases made." -B.S.
"Silky and elegant, offering cherry, raspberry, currant and violet aromas and flavors. Detailed and firmly structured, with refined tannins and a lingering aftertaste of red fruits. A Brunello of finesse and harmony. Best from 2012 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S
"The 2010 'Pianrosso' is an absolutely gorgeous single vineyard cru Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. It delivers wonderful aromas of fresh blackberries and plums, which are woven together with floral, earthy minerals, aged balsamic and sweet red licorice, all coming together beautifully in the glass. The full body is nicely balanced, supported by ripe tannins and a beautiful fine, silky texture. So pure and elegant as it finesses its way through the long, pretty finish. Not quite as accessible and open as the Brunello normale, so it will require a bit more patience, but that being said there's a lovely future ahead for this Pianrosso and it will be interesting to watch it evolve for years to come. (Best 2017-2034)"
"Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
"This wine is a candidate for one of the finest Brunello di Montalcinos of the vintage. A thick looking color suggests considerable intensity and extraction. The huge nose of black truffles, jammy black-cherries, and toasty new oak is followed by a massively-endowed, full-bodied, immensely concentrated wine that tastes almost sweet because of the exceptional ripeness and fruit density. No doubt there is significant tannin lurking beneath the layers of fat and glycerin. This is a terrific Brunello di Montalcino for drinking over the next 20 years. Unfortunately, as with so many great wines, quantities are minuscule."
"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso offers plenty of richness and density in its soft, caressing fruit. The Pianrosso is made in a decidedly opulent style that pushes the limits of ripeness to the extreme. The wine’s balance is acceptable today, but I am less convinced about the future. Both bottles I tasted were overripe and pruney. This is one of the disappointments among Montalcino’s elite bottlings in 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018."
"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is fresher, more floral and more delineated than the straight Brunello bottling. There is plenty of Ciacci depth and muscle in the glass. Layers of dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and spices wrap around the intense, deep finish. This is a huge wine with tons of 2007 Castelnuovo character, but also with enough freshness to balance out the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2007 is a big improvement over the 2006, which remains an underachiever relative to Ciacci’s historical track record of excellence. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027."
"The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso possesses striking depth as endless layers of sweet, perfumed fruit emerge with tons of grace. This, too, is an intense, full-bodied wine. The balance here is utterly exceptional, and the wine’s sheer plumpness makes for a highly rewarding glass of Brunello. Succulent dark cherries, spices, underbrush, minerals and new leather come to life as the wine sits in the glass, yet this remains a backward, structured Brunello in need of serious bottle age. The Pianrosso is a terrific effort from proprietor Paolo Bianchini. Ciacci’s Pianrosso is an old-vines selection that spent 36 months in Slavonian oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
"The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso is made from the estate’s oldest vineyards. It is vinified along the same line as the regular bottling, but gets a few additional months in cask prior to bottling. This full-bodied, velvety Brunello is endowed with plenty of dark fruit, smoke, iron and tar. The tannins finish big, but the wine appears to have enough depth and length on the palate to provide a good measure of balance. The Pianrosso comes across as surprisingly fresh in this vintage, which should allow it to age more gracefully, if not necessarily longer, than the normal bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Proprietor Paolo Bianchini is upbeat about his 2003 Brunellos. It is the first vintage in which he had the tools to perform a cold soak, which he feels was especially critical in preserving as much freshness as possible in the wines. For the Brunellos, fermentation and maceration lasted several weeks and the wines were aged in cask."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a full-bodied, backward, seriously-endowed, muscular offering requiring an additional 3-5 years of bottle age. It is not for those who are unable to defer their gratification. The wine exhibits Asian spice, black cherry, and grilled meat aromas and flavors intermixed with dried Provencal herb and underbrush notes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999."
This is all about finesse and beauty with such great length and polish. It literally melts in your mouth. Full-bodied yet agile and vivid. So many undertones of cedar, berries, cream and light toffee. Fabulous. Contender for the wine of the vintage.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. The palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. Tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure. Drink 2022–2032.
Faccino DoctorWine
Da uve sangiovese, matura a lungo in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati. Note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al fruttato rosso e a note evolutive della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca le progressione. Un Brunello austero, estremo nella sua classicità, che necessita di una profonda conoscenza della storia aziendale e del vigneto per essere apprezzato in pieno.
Aromas of red - red like the strawberry and sour cherry that dominate on the nose, recurring precisely in the mouth, taking off with a sweet and slightly round dimension that recalls strawberry, and then tapering off on the tonality of pomegranate and rhubarb. A spicy complexity with a touch of star anise. Powdery tannins.
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of the headline estates of Montalcino and the Pianrosso single vineyard is known for its consistency and the steady grace of its performance. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso does not quite reach the heights of the outstanding 2010 vintage. This release comes near in terms of power and purity, although it bears some of the weight of the hot vintage. The darkness of fruit is more pronounced and the tannins are a bit softer. Make no mistake, the thick soils of the Pianrosso site have helped to achieve impressive balance. The long finish offers tobacco, balsam herb and dried fruit. By Monica Larner
This red balances juicy cherry and plum fruit, tobacco and leather accents, and firm yet pliable tannins. As a result, this is vibrant and long, with earth and iron elements emerging on the aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033.
92/100
Fully ripe and smoky on the nose, with sweet plum and aniseed. Big and broad in the mouth, with liquorice and woodsmoke notes engraving juicy blackberry fruit. Harmonious, long and impressive. Drink 2020 - 2028.
A wealth of coffee and spice aromas with ripe fruit. Full body and round tannins. Delicious and rich. Flavorful finish. Opulent style. Drink or hold.
Da uve sangiovese, matura 3 anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati, ha un olfatto con le classiche note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al frutto rosso e a sentori evolutivi della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca la progressione. Austero, estremo nella sua classicità.
Although this wine is not labeled as a riserva, it is released six years after the harvest as if it were one. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 20,000 bottles produced) opens to balanced fragrances that mix fruity elements with spice, crushed stone and smoke. This wine is linear and direct with firm tannic support at the back. Give it another few years to flesh out further with additional bottle aging. (2020 - 2035)
Intense and complex aromas of red-berried ripe fruit. Cherry, in particular. It tastes rich, hot and full-bodied on the palate, with a good sharpness. It is characterized by soft tannins and a special finish where aromatic herbs and tobacco can be definitely considered the main characters.
Deep ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of red berry liqueur, Asian spices, potpourri and licorice, with a herbal quality adding lift. Big, rich and dense, with sappy cherry-cola and raspberry flavors picking up a refreshingly savory edge with air. Finishes long, showcasing excellent clarity and power. --- Ian D'Agata
92/100
Enticing, with warm, savory notes of cardamom, cinnamon and tobacco adding depth to the plum and mulled cherry flavors. Leather and iron accents emerge on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036.–BS
Cellar Selection
Wild-berry, fragrant purple-flower and crushed aromatic herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather on this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an age-worthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced, with bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2021–2033.
Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.
Granato trasparente. Profilo aromatico ampio e coinvolgente, con dolci sensazioni di gelatina di ribes, caramella al lampone, tisana ai frutti di bosco, cioccolato al latte, cenni di noce di cola, chinotto, tabacco da pipa, origano disidratato, il tutto incorniciato da un’eco di eucalipto, china e grafite. In bocca sfoggia eleganza, delicata sapidità, tannino setoso, freschezza e persistenti ritorni fruttati e mentolati, ben glossati da un’idea di spezie piccanti. Oltre tre anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia tra i 7,5 e i 62 hl.
Preciso al naso e dal carattere esuberante mostra mille sfumature di rosso nel calice e sentori di prugne nere, cassis, foglia di mirto, radice di ginseng e bergamotto. Si esalta e completa grazie ai sentori di petali di rosa appassita e rosa canina. Corpo pieno, tannini setosi senza cuciture, che accarezzano il palato e accompagnano durante la progressione ed un finale vivace e di egregia qualità. Un capolavoro prodotto a Montalcino in un’annata straordinaria in Toscana. Meglio dal 2022.
Aroma caldo e maturo nei sentori con prugna rossa, cassis e mirto. Camomilla in sottofondo a donare complessità. Corpo pieno, tannino soffice ed un finale chiaro ed energico. Bevi ora.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.
Tasted blind, just ruby with organge tinges. Quite closed on the fruit right now, showing only savoury notes. Supple and quite ripe and sweet fruit that is almos a little singed. Quite developed already. (WS)
A full, ripe and round grape blend showing a great thickness for a cornerstone in the appellation. Spicy nose displaying notes of alcohol-infused cherries, a trace of Taggiasca olives. The mouth is velvety, ample and fat. A charming finish that reveals all its sharpness as well as a superb persistence.
Deep red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, mocha, ginger and blood orange. Smooth and multifaceted, with strong licorice notes emerging on the long suave close. - Ian D'Agata
Only made in superior years such as 2015, Pianrosso is always crafted from a selection of the estate's oldest vines and is aged in wood for one year longer than the regular Brunello. Like the latter, the Pianrosso is dominated by mature nuances. Nevertheless, the heady bouquet of Indian spice, melted vanilla and sun dried sage is intriguing. Rather soft, yielding tannins and ripe fruit make for a round, easygoing mouthfeel. Latent sapidity injects vibrancy but I would still drink this in the near term. Drinking Window 2020 – 2027
Black cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors mark this saturated red. Beefy tannins offer support and all the components are in the right place. Stays fresh and long on the finish, with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and tobacco. Best from 2023 through 2043. — BS
Cellar Selection
Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035. - Kerin O'Keefe
Faccino DoctorWine
Lots going on here with black plums, ripe cherries, cedar, smoke and cocoa on the nose. Ash, chocolate, crushed walnuts and some praline. Mushrooms. This has firm, ripe tannins and a full body. Flavorful and juicy finish. Very structured. Drink after 2025.
A cornerstone for the appellation. Spicy nose with alcohol-infused cherries, an officinal trace of fresh marjoram; then, “taggiasche” olives. Taut and crunchy mouth with an excellent thickness. Savoury tannins closing on fruity notes.
Maturo ed essenziale offre note di amarene sotto spirito, ciliegie disidratate, fiori pressati e buccia di limone arsa. In sottofondo l’eleganza del profilo mediterraneo arricchisce la matrice con sfumature di timo e rosmarino. Corpo medio-pieno, succoso e centrato offre dei tannini setosi ed un finale esile di avvolgente armonia. Meglio dal 2021.
Dark, rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso boasts a display of ripe black fruits encased in an air of crushed stone, sage and exotic spice. While velvety and almost creamy in texture, it finds harmony through juicy acids and a mix of ripe black cherry and plums. Hints of licorice and baker’s chocolate balance the Pianrosso’s salty minerality and fine-grained tannins through the long and dramatic finale. There’s beautiful symmetry here for a wine with such power. Place this in the cellar for ten years or more; but don’t make the mistake of not checking in from time to time, because I expect the 2016 to enjoy a long and open drinking window. Eric Guido
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a single-vineyard expression that draws its fruit from an 11.7-hectare parcel with moderately thick galestro soils with ancient marine material. This special site, awash under the brilliant light of a big, open sky, does indeed deliver a more pronounced mineral signature, with wild berry, rose and rosemary essence. This is a beautiful wine, taut and silky, with elegant tannins that will endure ambitious bottle aging. Production is 37,000 bottles.
Aromas of red berry, camphor and tobacco meld with rose in this fragrant, full-bodied red. The smooth palate is concentrated yet elegant, featuring raspberry jam, cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and coffee bean alongside a backbone of firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2023–2031. KERIN O’KEEFE
Cherry, iron, sanguine and black tea flavors highlight this sinewy red. Vibrant and solidly built, shows assertive tannins lining the finish. Has enough ripe fruit to offset the structure, and the aftertaste persists, with fruit, iron and underbrush accents. Best from 2024 through 2045. 2,833 cases made, 900 cases imported. — BS
This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024.
A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh. -- Eric Guido
Extremely brilliant and mature in the glass showing notes of raspberries, currants, ripe cherries, red flowers, calendula, hawthorn and linden. A lot of citrus dominates the secondary scene and blend with hints of tobacco in this young Brunello. Full bodied, silky tannins and a warm, enveloping finale that gives pleasure in every sip. Slightly hot and spicy showing a subtle alcoholic perception in the aftertaste. Better from 2022.
Ciacci Piccolomini’s 12ha flagship vineyard, Pianrosso sits above the Orcia river between 240 and 360 metres. It is consistently caressed by sea breezes which surface in the afternoon. The lavish warmth of this southern zone is palpable in the heady 15% alcohol and soft, laidback acidity. Nevertheless, there is focus and liveliness. Orange blossom and persimmon aromas lead to flavours of toothsome red plum and an attractive lingering bergamot finish. While immediate and accessible with mellow tannins, there is enough substance to carry this 2017 for another five years. Drinking Window 2022 – 2027. - Michaela Morris.
This full-bodied red starts off with aromas of leather, forest floor and camphor. Enveloping and structured, the palate shows a weightless concentration, featuring dried cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of orange zest framed in velvety tannins. Drink 2024–2029. – Kerin O’Keefe
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note (plus a hefty 15% alcohol) that accompanies the wine from start to finish. Production is 37,000 bottles.
90/100
Shows a ripe cherry flavor melted with hints of blood orange, supported by firm sticky tannins and crisp acidity.
This red exhibits sappy, concentrated flavors of cherry, currant, plum, tobacco and soy. Shows intensity midpalate, persisting on the firm, chalky finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,093 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. — BS
1° position on TOP 10 BEST OF BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2017
Verführerische Fruchtnase mit Noten von Wildblumen und Gewürzen, Macchia- und Tabaknoten; am Gaumen geschliffen, das engmaschige Tannin und die akzentuierte Säure in perfekter Balance, der Abgang elegant und ellenlang. Hervorragend gemacht, hat Potenzial.
Maturo e ricercato mostra note di prugne rosse, caramello dolce, pepe bianco, cedro in pezzi e succo di limone. Tante erbe officinali descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo medio, tannini mordenti ed un finale che avrà bisogno di tempo per distendersi. Meglio dal 2025.
A certainty of the denomination for Bianchini family’s winery, located a few steps from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Very faceted nose, red currant, then marjoram and iodine touches, such as taggiasche olives. The sip is juicy-brackish, with fruity-officinal return and very long persistence.
Finissimo floreale, macchia mediterranea, ferroso e salino, tannino delicato con ritorni di olive e mandorle, molto rilassato ma sempre di ottima complessità, delicato etereo ma con trama tannica tambureggiante.
This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025.
Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and lifted. Drink 2025–2038. 14.5% abv. Kerin O’Keefe November 2022 ©kerinokeefe.com
Dark depths of crushed plums and black cherries are offset by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peels and hints of cocoa as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass. This is an especially racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, with cooling mineral tones and zesty acidity propelling its ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. While structured, this finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving the mouth watering with a lingering bitter hint of balsamic spice. The 2018 may not possess the power often associated with the Pianrosso, but it instead impresses with its lively and spicy character. – Eric Guido
Deep ruby with bricky rim. Concentrated sour-cherry nose with a suggestion of gingerbread. Becomes more complex with aeration. Lush, ripe fruit on the palate with polished tannins and tangy acidity. Great length and very accessible. (WS)
Both of Ciacci Piccolomini’s 2018s offer a ‘deliciousness’ of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite 12 hectares, this iron-rich marly vineyard soaked up just enough warmth to clearly demonstrate its southern origins. It has more shape, form and depth to lend endurance. Iron and salty minerals emerge from a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. Docile and yielding, the gentle sandy tannins give textural complexity as well as an immediate drinkability. - Michaela Morris.
A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. Production is 37,000 bottles.
A complex red, with dark, savory notes of licorice, eucalyptus and tobacco aligned with cherry and berry flavors. Succulent, showing light viscosity to the texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,083 cases made, 1,083 cases imported. - BS
Faccino DoctorWine
A cornerstone of the typology, we are in the southeastern region of the denomination, a stone’s throw from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Rich nose, notes of red mulberry, then rosemary and touches of Peranzana olives. The taste is savory, with a return of red mulberry and iodine-officinal shades.
Sweet berries and cherries on the nose, together with fresh violet and lilac notes. Full body with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish that opens on the palate. Lots of ripe cherry flavor. Tar, too. A rich and layered Pianrosso. One of the bigger, riper wines of the vintage, but still holds true. Try in 2027.
Prugne rosse, fragole, litchi, gerani in fiore, datteri, mandorle tritate, buccia di limone, lime, muschio bianco, cioccolato bianco, incenso, fiori misti, zenzero e zest di arancia nel profilo principale. C’è di più in sottofondo con le sfumature intrigante di bergamotto, cannella e chiodi di garofano. Corpo pieno, tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed un finale classico di stampo lineare e dal carattere italiano. Meglio dal 2025.
Boasting great depth and extreme elegance, the drop-dead gorgeous Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosso delivers crushed raspberry, succulent Morello cherry, star anise and crushed mint flavors while aromas of eucalyptus, wild rose, new leather and forest floor continuously lift out of the glass. It’s a smooth, stunning wine, with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that lend great aging potential and energy. Absolutely stunning. Drink 2029–2044. Kerin O’Keefe September 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
Aged in Slavonian oak for 36 months, Pianrosso is a selection from the self-titled vineyard: 11 hectares in the lower southeast of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, suggesting a classic vintage. It shines for its Earl Grey tea aroma combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise; gorgeous in this vintage. Full bodied, thick and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers on the finish but this should be considered a signifier of its elegance. - Aldo Fiordelli.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a wide and all-encompassing bouquet with dried cherry or cherry pie with the crust, plum tart and rose potpourri. There are evident oak tones, but they fold into underbrush, grilled herb and the generous texture of this wine. Likewise, the 15% alcohol content also neatly disappears into the wine's fleshy fruit consistency. For sure, this is a wine that needs more bottle evolution in order to hone in on the silkiness and pretty freshness of such an important Sangiovese. Exactly 43,054 bottles were made along with about 1,000 larger formats.
Vielschichtiges Bouquet nach Waldfrüchten, Gewürzen, Unterholz und getrockneten Blumen; im Mund überaus präzise, die Tannine feinkörnig und gut eingebunden, die Säure akzentuiert: passgenauer Wein mit Charakter und Finesse.
This red pulls you toward the sanguine and iron side of Sangiovese, with a core of cherry and plum flavors that shows accents of oak spice and eucalyptus. There’s hard edge of tannins rimming the finish,leaving a compact feel. Best from 2027 through 2039. 5000 cases made, 2830 cases imported.
Faccino DoctorWine
Faccino DoctorWine
Intense, vibrant aromas of strawberries and raspberries, together with cola and flowery notes. Milk and mint nuances, too. Shows a lot of licorice elegance and blood-orange freshness on both the nose and palate with firm, velvety tannins and well-packed, brilliant acidity and a polished finish. Good aftertaste and amazing potential. Very classic. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
Scuro e profondo al naso mostra note di incenso, sandalo, cumino foglie di tè nero, datteri, bergamotto, china e pepe nero. Tante sfumature di pepe rosa, bacche di ginepro, salvia, alloro, radice di ginseng, camomilla e ginestra descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo pieno, fresco e balsamico nel sorso mostra tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed una bellezza di sorso disarmante. Che bello. Bevi ora o invecchia.
Bold and concentrated, the 2020 Pianrosso offers pronounced aromas of dark spice, camphor, dried herb, citrus and wild berry that mingle with new leather. On the powerfully built, savory palate, tightly woven, close-grained tannins envelop liquor-soaked cherry, orange peel, licorice and tobacco before closing on a note recalling almond liqueur. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted. Drink 2029–2036. Abv: 15.5% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 43,000 bottles made along with some larger formats) is a little overdone in my opinion in terms of ripeness and its powerful 15.5% alcoholic content. The bouquet reveals dark fruit aromas, cherry liqueur, brandied plum and sweet crème de cassis. This is a thickly grained Brunello with a soft, richly textured core. I recommend a medium-term drinking window, although that touch of tannic astringency might never fully integrate.
Vineyard of the same name, located in the south-eastern quadrant of the appellation, vinified in stainless steel and glass cement tanks, aged in oak, notes of cornflower, then hints of rosemary and caper under salt, salty sip, with return of small fruits and officinal references.
Prodotto solo nelle annate migliori ed esclusivamente con uve provenienti dai vigneti di Pianrosso è il vino che da sempre rappresenta in modo autorevole il terroir ed il nome dell’azienda.
Da questi vigneti vengono anche selezionate le uve da destinare alla tipologia Riserva.
11,69 ettari si fregiano della dizione "Pianrosso", situati in terreni di medio impasto e galestro di origine eocenica tra i 240 e i 360 metri s.l.m.
100% Sangiovese
in recipienti di acciaio inox e vasche di cemento vetrificate a temperatura controllata tramite camicie di raffreddamento e piastre ad immersione.
In botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20 a 62 hl per circa 3 anni ed un affinamento in bottiglia superiore a 8 mesi.
Rosso rubino tendente al granato.
Profumi intensi e complessi. Sensazioni di frutta matura a bacca rossa si completano con svariate note speziate; al gusto è caldo, armonico con tannini pronunciati; un vino di corpo con lunga persistenza gusto-olfattiva che potrà ancora evolversi con un lungo invecchiamento in bottiglia.
Stappare un’ora prima della mescita e servire a 18°C in calice di cristallo a forma "ballon". Le bottiglie vanno conservate al buio, distese al fresco e senza sbalzi di temperatura.
Ideale con cacciagione arrosto o in umido e con primi piatti con condimento a base delle stesse carni. Ottimo anche con formaggi stagionati.
Le bottiglie sono tutelate grazie ad un ologramma anticontraffazione sulla capsula.
"Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth to this red. It's so beautiful to taste now but it will be much better in five to ten years. A triumph."
"Rich, with cherry and strawberry notes, tinged by leather, bitter almond and tobacco flavors. Firm and angular, presenting a long, iron- and tea-accented finish. Turns more supple with air, but remains solidly built for the long haul. Best from 2019 through 2033. 2,916 cases made." - B.S.
"Beautiful and delicate from the start, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso impresses for its depth and balance. The wine sees one more year of oak cask aging compared to the base Brunello and you can definitely sense the extra spice on the nose. Those delicate balsam notes of root beer, ginger and rosemary oil are still prominently on display. Rich spice, leather and tar are followed by dark fruit, prune, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, but its length remains impressive. This is a terrific effort that promises a steady evolution ahead."
"Very dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of ripe fruit, fresh porcini and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with fabulous texture of velvety and complex fruit character. Incredibly long. I have always loved this wine. I like it better than the riserva in 1997.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 2,500 cases made." - B.S.
"This is gorgeous with seductive cedar, tobacco, berry and Indian spices on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a tobacco, coffee and berry aftertaste. Refined. Best after 2007. 4,000 cases made."- B.S.
"Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious fruit. Very attractive. Hard not to drink it now. Best from 2010 through 2015. 4,400 cases made." - B.S
"A mix of cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and dried beef aromas and flavors make this complex in a lighter style. Balanced between the fruit, moderate acidity and tannins. Very elegant. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Graphite and cedar aromas lead off in this cherry-, strawberry- and licorice-flavored red. This is firm, with quiet intensity and a dense, spice-infused finish. Best from 2015 through 2030. 2,900 cases made. " - B.S.
"This is a very rich Sangiovese on the nose with dried black cherries and strawberries. Lots of dark chocolate too. Loads of black chocolate cake and dried coffee cake character. Full and very powerful. Lots of ripe tannins. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2014."
"Aromas of dried cherries and plums with hints of flowers follow through to a full body with velvety tannins and a juicy, meaty, fruity aftertaste. Turns to chocolate powder as well. Drink or hold."
"The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is more layered, perfumed and subtle than the straight Brunello. Freshly cut flowers, dark red fruit, licorice, spices and menthol are all layered together nicely in the glass. A wine of considerable texture and depth, the 2008 Pianrosso should drink well for at least a handful of years. There is no shortage of depth, richness or complexity in this fine effort. This is an especially concentrated style for the year, but it works. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2025."
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999." -B.S.
"Delicate and traditional, with floral, berry and leather aromas and flavors. Medium in body, with medium tannins and a light, crisp finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made." - B.S.
"Very aromatic wine, with dried berries and cherries throughout. Medium- to full-bodied, with very soft, round tannins and a long, long finish. An absolute joy to drink. Drink now. 800 cases made." - B.S.
"Papery, with plum, leaf and herb aromas. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a short finish. Drink now. 1,900 cases made." -B.S.
"Wild berry, cherry and floral aromas to this Brunello. Full-bodied, with big, silky tannins and loads of exciting fruit. Lively, yet refined. These wines are a joy to taste. Giuseppe Bianchini is a master in the vineyards. Best after 2004. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"Very tight and firm, with hints of fresh flowers, berries and fresh meat. Full-bodied, chewy and silky, with hints of mineral and fruit. Long finish. This is a wine that needs bottle age. Strangely, I like the 1998 better and, of course, the 1997. Best after 2006. 4,100 cases made." - B.S.
"Impressive. Lots of jam on the nose, with hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, round and soft, with lots of fruit. Thick and generous. Very well done. Best after 2006. 3,900 cases made." - B.S.
"A full-bodied red, showing aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla and mild spice, with a meaty note. Full, firm and flavorful. Tight and very concentrated now, but should expand with time. Best after 2010. 2,916 cases made." -B.S.
"Silky and elegant, offering cherry, raspberry, currant and violet aromas and flavors. Detailed and firmly structured, with refined tannins and a lingering aftertaste of red fruits. A Brunello of finesse and harmony. Best from 2012 through 2028. 2,900 cases made." - B.S
"The 2010 'Pianrosso' is an absolutely gorgeous single vineyard cru Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. It delivers wonderful aromas of fresh blackberries and plums, which are woven together with floral, earthy minerals, aged balsamic and sweet red licorice, all coming together beautifully in the glass. The full body is nicely balanced, supported by ripe tannins and a beautiful fine, silky texture. So pure and elegant as it finesses its way through the long, pretty finish. Not quite as accessible and open as the Brunello normale, so it will require a bit more patience, but that being said there's a lovely future ahead for this Pianrosso and it will be interesting to watch it evolve for years to come. (Best 2017-2034)"
"Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
"This wine is a candidate for one of the finest Brunello di Montalcinos of the vintage. A thick looking color suggests considerable intensity and extraction. The huge nose of black truffles, jammy black-cherries, and toasty new oak is followed by a massively-endowed, full-bodied, immensely concentrated wine that tastes almost sweet because of the exceptional ripeness and fruit density. No doubt there is significant tannin lurking beneath the layers of fat and glycerin. This is a terrific Brunello di Montalcino for drinking over the next 20 years. Unfortunately, as with so many great wines, quantities are minuscule."
"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso offers plenty of richness and density in its soft, caressing fruit. The Pianrosso is made in a decidedly opulent style that pushes the limits of ripeness to the extreme. The wine’s balance is acceptable today, but I am less convinced about the future. Both bottles I tasted were overripe and pruney. This is one of the disappointments among Montalcino’s elite bottlings in 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018."
"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is fresher, more floral and more delineated than the straight Brunello bottling. There is plenty of Ciacci depth and muscle in the glass. Layers of dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and spices wrap around the intense, deep finish. This is a huge wine with tons of 2007 Castelnuovo character, but also with enough freshness to balance out the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2007 is a big improvement over the 2006, which remains an underachiever relative to Ciacci’s historical track record of excellence. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027."
"The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso possesses striking depth as endless layers of sweet, perfumed fruit emerge with tons of grace. This, too, is an intense, full-bodied wine. The balance here is utterly exceptional, and the wine’s sheer plumpness makes for a highly rewarding glass of Brunello. Succulent dark cherries, spices, underbrush, minerals and new leather come to life as the wine sits in the glass, yet this remains a backward, structured Brunello in need of serious bottle age. The Pianrosso is a terrific effort from proprietor Paolo Bianchini. Ciacci’s Pianrosso is an old-vines selection that spent 36 months in Slavonian oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
"The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Pianrosso is made from the estate’s oldest vineyards. It is vinified along the same line as the regular bottling, but gets a few additional months in cask prior to bottling. This full-bodied, velvety Brunello is endowed with plenty of dark fruit, smoke, iron and tar. The tannins finish big, but the wine appears to have enough depth and length on the palate to provide a good measure of balance. The Pianrosso comes across as surprisingly fresh in this vintage, which should allow it to age more gracefully, if not necessarily longer, than the normal bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Proprietor Paolo Bianchini is upbeat about his 2003 Brunellos. It is the first vintage in which he had the tools to perform a cold soak, which he feels was especially critical in preserving as much freshness as possible in the wines. For the Brunellos, fermentation and maceration lasted several weeks and the wines were aged in cask."
"The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a dark, viscous wine that swirls around the inside of the glass with evident weight and heft. The bouquet is similarly stacked tall with thick renditions of teriyaki sauce, soya, barbecue smoke, crushed granite and chopped herb. Vigna di Pianrosso delivers the proverbial iron first in a velvet glove thanks to its lively, streamlined mouthfeel. Bright acidity keeps the wine on its toes. Decant three hours or more prior to serving. Drink: 2014-2026."
The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso is a full-bodied, backward, seriously-endowed, muscular offering requiring an additional 3-5 years of bottle age. It is not for those who are unable to defer their gratification. The wine exhibits Asian spice, black cherry, and grilled meat aromas and flavors intermixed with dried Provencal herb and underbrush notes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016
"Fabulous, traditional Brunello di Montalcino offering great color and masses of mint, berry, mineral and nut aromas and flavors. Full in body and tannins, huge. Needs time. Best after 1999."
This is all about finesse and beauty with such great length and polish. It literally melts in your mouth. Full-bodied yet agile and vivid. So many undertones of cedar, berries, cream and light toffee. Fabulous. Contender for the wine of the vintage.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. The palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. Tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure. Drink 2022–2032.
Faccino DoctorWine
Da uve sangiovese, matura a lungo in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati. Note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al fruttato rosso e a note evolutive della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca le progressione. Un Brunello austero, estremo nella sua classicità, che necessita di una profonda conoscenza della storia aziendale e del vigneto per essere apprezzato in pieno.
Aromas of red - red like the strawberry and sour cherry that dominate on the nose, recurring precisely in the mouth, taking off with a sweet and slightly round dimension that recalls strawberry, and then tapering off on the tonality of pomegranate and rhubarb. A spicy complexity with a touch of star anise. Powdery tannins.
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of the headline estates of Montalcino and the Pianrosso single vineyard is known for its consistency and the steady grace of its performance. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso does not quite reach the heights of the outstanding 2010 vintage. This release comes near in terms of power and purity, although it bears some of the weight of the hot vintage. The darkness of fruit is more pronounced and the tannins are a bit softer. Make no mistake, the thick soils of the Pianrosso site have helped to achieve impressive balance. The long finish offers tobacco, balsam herb and dried fruit. By Monica Larner
This red balances juicy cherry and plum fruit, tobacco and leather accents, and firm yet pliable tannins. As a result, this is vibrant and long, with earth and iron elements emerging on the aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033.
92/100
Fully ripe and smoky on the nose, with sweet plum and aniseed. Big and broad in the mouth, with liquorice and woodsmoke notes engraving juicy blackberry fruit. Harmonious, long and impressive. Drink 2020 - 2028.
A wealth of coffee and spice aromas with ripe fruit. Full body and round tannins. Delicious and rich. Flavorful finish. Opulent style. Drink or hold.
Da uve sangiovese, matura 3 anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 20-30 hl. Rubino con riflessi granati, ha un olfatto con le classiche note di sale rosa e nero, oltre al frutto rosso e a sentori evolutivi della classicità. Fase gustativa potente con tannini ancora giovanili, croccanti e una trama media che marca la progressione. Austero, estremo nella sua classicità.
Although this wine is not labeled as a riserva, it is released six years after the harvest as if it were one. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 20,000 bottles produced) opens to balanced fragrances that mix fruity elements with spice, crushed stone and smoke. This wine is linear and direct with firm tannic support at the back. Give it another few years to flesh out further with additional bottle aging. (2020 - 2035)
Intense and complex aromas of red-berried ripe fruit. Cherry, in particular. It tastes rich, hot and full-bodied on the palate, with a good sharpness. It is characterized by soft tannins and a special finish where aromatic herbs and tobacco can be definitely considered the main characters.
Deep ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of red berry liqueur, Asian spices, potpourri and licorice, with a herbal quality adding lift. Big, rich and dense, with sappy cherry-cola and raspberry flavors picking up a refreshingly savory edge with air. Finishes long, showcasing excellent clarity and power. --- Ian D'Agata
92/100
Enticing, with warm, savory notes of cardamom, cinnamon and tobacco adding depth to the plum and mulled cherry flavors. Leather and iron accents emerge on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036.–BS
Cellar Selection
Wild-berry, fragrant purple-flower and crushed aromatic herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather on this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an age-worthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced, with bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2021–2033.
Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.
Granato trasparente. Profilo aromatico ampio e coinvolgente, con dolci sensazioni di gelatina di ribes, caramella al lampone, tisana ai frutti di bosco, cioccolato al latte, cenni di noce di cola, chinotto, tabacco da pipa, origano disidratato, il tutto incorniciato da un’eco di eucalipto, china e grafite. In bocca sfoggia eleganza, delicata sapidità, tannino setoso, freschezza e persistenti ritorni fruttati e mentolati, ben glossati da un’idea di spezie piccanti. Oltre tre anni in botti di rovere di Slavonia tra i 7,5 e i 62 hl.
Preciso al naso e dal carattere esuberante mostra mille sfumature di rosso nel calice e sentori di prugne nere, cassis, foglia di mirto, radice di ginseng e bergamotto. Si esalta e completa grazie ai sentori di petali di rosa appassita e rosa canina. Corpo pieno, tannini setosi senza cuciture, che accarezzano il palato e accompagnano durante la progressione ed un finale vivace e di egregia qualità. Un capolavoro prodotto a Montalcino in un’annata straordinaria in Toscana. Meglio dal 2022.
Aroma caldo e maturo nei sentori con prugna rossa, cassis e mirto. Camomilla in sottofondo a donare complessità. Corpo pieno, tannino soffice ed un finale chiaro ed energico. Bevi ora.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.
Tasted blind, just ruby with organge tinges. Quite closed on the fruit right now, showing only savoury notes. Supple and quite ripe and sweet fruit that is almos a little singed. Quite developed already. (WS)
A full, ripe and round grape blend showing a great thickness for a cornerstone in the appellation. Spicy nose displaying notes of alcohol-infused cherries, a trace of Taggiasca olives. The mouth is velvety, ample and fat. A charming finish that reveals all its sharpness as well as a superb persistence.
Deep red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, cinnamon, mocha, ginger and blood orange. Smooth and multifaceted, with strong licorice notes emerging on the long suave close. - Ian D'Agata
Only made in superior years such as 2015, Pianrosso is always crafted from a selection of the estate's oldest vines and is aged in wood for one year longer than the regular Brunello. Like the latter, the Pianrosso is dominated by mature nuances. Nevertheless, the heady bouquet of Indian spice, melted vanilla and sun dried sage is intriguing. Rather soft, yielding tannins and ripe fruit make for a round, easygoing mouthfeel. Latent sapidity injects vibrancy but I would still drink this in the near term. Drinking Window 2020 – 2027
Black cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors mark this saturated red. Beefy tannins offer support and all the components are in the right place. Stays fresh and long on the finish, with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and tobacco. Best from 2023 through 2043. — BS
Cellar Selection
Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035. - Kerin O'Keefe
Faccino DoctorWine
Lots going on here with black plums, ripe cherries, cedar, smoke and cocoa on the nose. Ash, chocolate, crushed walnuts and some praline. Mushrooms. This has firm, ripe tannins and a full body. Flavorful and juicy finish. Very structured. Drink after 2025.
A cornerstone for the appellation. Spicy nose with alcohol-infused cherries, an officinal trace of fresh marjoram; then, “taggiasche” olives. Taut and crunchy mouth with an excellent thickness. Savoury tannins closing on fruity notes.
Maturo ed essenziale offre note di amarene sotto spirito, ciliegie disidratate, fiori pressati e buccia di limone arsa. In sottofondo l’eleganza del profilo mediterraneo arricchisce la matrice con sfumature di timo e rosmarino. Corpo medio-pieno, succoso e centrato offre dei tannini setosi ed un finale esile di avvolgente armonia. Meglio dal 2021.
Dark, rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso boasts a display of ripe black fruits encased in an air of crushed stone, sage and exotic spice. While velvety and almost creamy in texture, it finds harmony through juicy acids and a mix of ripe black cherry and plums. Hints of licorice and baker’s chocolate balance the Pianrosso’s salty minerality and fine-grained tannins through the long and dramatic finale. There’s beautiful symmetry here for a wine with such power. Place this in the cellar for ten years or more; but don’t make the mistake of not checking in from time to time, because I expect the 2016 to enjoy a long and open drinking window. Eric Guido
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is a single-vineyard expression that draws its fruit from an 11.7-hectare parcel with moderately thick galestro soils with ancient marine material. This special site, awash under the brilliant light of a big, open sky, does indeed deliver a more pronounced mineral signature, with wild berry, rose and rosemary essence. This is a beautiful wine, taut and silky, with elegant tannins that will endure ambitious bottle aging. Production is 37,000 bottles.
Aromas of red berry, camphor and tobacco meld with rose in this fragrant, full-bodied red. The smooth palate is concentrated yet elegant, featuring raspberry jam, cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and coffee bean alongside a backbone of firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2023–2031. KERIN O’KEEFE
Cherry, iron, sanguine and black tea flavors highlight this sinewy red. Vibrant and solidly built, shows assertive tannins lining the finish. Has enough ripe fruit to offset the structure, and the aftertaste persists, with fruit, iron and underbrush accents. Best from 2024 through 2045. 2,833 cases made, 900 cases imported. — BS
This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024.
A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh. -- Eric Guido
Extremely brilliant and mature in the glass showing notes of raspberries, currants, ripe cherries, red flowers, calendula, hawthorn and linden. A lot of citrus dominates the secondary scene and blend with hints of tobacco in this young Brunello. Full bodied, silky tannins and a warm, enveloping finale that gives pleasure in every sip. Slightly hot and spicy showing a subtle alcoholic perception in the aftertaste. Better from 2022.
Ciacci Piccolomini’s 12ha flagship vineyard, Pianrosso sits above the Orcia river between 240 and 360 metres. It is consistently caressed by sea breezes which surface in the afternoon. The lavish warmth of this southern zone is palpable in the heady 15% alcohol and soft, laidback acidity. Nevertheless, there is focus and liveliness. Orange blossom and persimmon aromas lead to flavours of toothsome red plum and an attractive lingering bergamot finish. While immediate and accessible with mellow tannins, there is enough substance to carry this 2017 for another five years. Drinking Window 2022 – 2027. - Michaela Morris.
This full-bodied red starts off with aromas of leather, forest floor and camphor. Enveloping and structured, the palate shows a weightless concentration, featuring dried cherry, licorice, tobacco and a hint of orange zest framed in velvety tannins. Drink 2024–2029. – Kerin O’Keefe
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note (plus a hefty 15% alcohol) that accompanies the wine from start to finish. Production is 37,000 bottles.
90/100
Shows a ripe cherry flavor melted with hints of blood orange, supported by firm sticky tannins and crisp acidity.
This red exhibits sappy, concentrated flavors of cherry, currant, plum, tobacco and soy. Shows intensity midpalate, persisting on the firm, chalky finish. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,093 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. — BS
1° position on TOP 10 BEST OF BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2017
Verführerische Fruchtnase mit Noten von Wildblumen und Gewürzen, Macchia- und Tabaknoten; am Gaumen geschliffen, das engmaschige Tannin und die akzentuierte Säure in perfekter Balance, der Abgang elegant und ellenlang. Hervorragend gemacht, hat Potenzial.
Maturo e ricercato mostra note di prugne rosse, caramello dolce, pepe bianco, cedro in pezzi e succo di limone. Tante erbe officinali descrivono la scena secondaria. Corpo medio, tannini mordenti ed un finale che avrà bisogno di tempo per distendersi. Meglio dal 2025.
A certainty of the denomination for Bianchini family’s winery, located a few steps from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Very faceted nose, red currant, then marjoram and iodine touches, such as taggiasche olives. The sip is juicy-brackish, with fruity-officinal return and very long persistence.
Finissimo floreale, macchia mediterranea, ferroso e salino, tannino delicato con ritorni di olive e mandorle, molto rilassato ma sempre di ottima complessità, delicato etereo ma con trama tannica tambureggiante.
This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Try after 2025.
Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven, velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and lifted. Drink 2025–2038. 14.5% abv. Kerin O’Keefe November 2022 ©kerinokeefe.com
Dark depths of crushed plums and black cherries are offset by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peels and hints of cocoa as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass. This is an especially racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, with cooling mineral tones and zesty acidity propelling its ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. While structured, this finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving the mouth watering with a lingering bitter hint of balsamic spice. The 2018 may not possess the power often associated with the Pianrosso, but it instead impresses with its lively and spicy character. – Eric Guido
Deep ruby with bricky rim. Concentrated sour-cherry nose with a suggestion of gingerbread. Becomes more complex with aeration. Lush, ripe fruit on the palate with polished tannins and tangy acidity. Great length and very accessible. (WS)
Both of Ciacci Piccolomini’s 2018s offer a ‘deliciousness’ of taste and a truly umami quality, however the Pianrosso selection delivers greater Brunello satisfaction. Not quite 12 hectares, this iron-rich marly vineyard soaked up just enough warmth to clearly demonstrate its southern origins. It has more shape, form and depth to lend endurance. Iron and salty minerals emerge from a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. Docile and yielding, the gentle sandy tannins give textural complexity as well as an immediate drinkability. - Michaela Morris.
A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. Production is 37,000 bottles.
A complex red, with dark, savory notes of licorice, eucalyptus and tobacco aligned with cherry and berry flavors. Succulent, showing light viscosity to the texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,083 cases made, 1,083 cases imported. - BS
Faccino DoctorWine
A cornerstone of the typology, we are in the southeastern region of the denomination, a stone’s throw from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Rich nose, notes of red mulberry, then rosemary and touches of Peranzana olives. The taste is savory, with a return of red mulberry and iodine-officinal shades.
Sweet berries and cherries on the nose, together with fresh violet and lilac notes. Full body with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish that opens on the palate. Lots of ripe cherry flavor. Tar, too. A rich and layered Pianrosso. One of the bigger, riper wines of the vintage, but still holds true. Try in 2027.
Prugne rosse, fragole, litchi, gerani in fiore, datteri, mandorle tritate, buccia di limone, lime, muschio bianco, cioccolato bianco, incenso, fiori misti, zenzero e zest di arancia nel profilo principale. C’è di più in sottofondo con le sfumature intrigante di bergamotto, cannella e chiodi di garofano. Corpo pieno, tannini perfettamente maturi e polimerizzati ed un finale classico di stampo lineare e dal carattere italiano. Meglio dal 2025.
Boasting great depth and extreme elegance, the drop-dead gorgeous Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosso delivers crushed raspberry, succulent Morello cherry, star anise and crushed mint flavors while aromas of eucalyptus, wild rose, new leather and forest floor continuously lift out of the glass. It’s a smooth, stunning wine, with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that lend great aging potential and energy. Absolutely stunning. Drink 2029–2044. Kerin O’Keefe September 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
Aged in Slavonian oak for 36 months, Pianrosso is a selection from the self-titled vineyard: 11 hectares in the lower southeast of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, suggesting a classic vintage. It shines for its Earl Grey tea aroma combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise; gorgeous in this vintage. Full bodied, thick and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers on the finish but this should be considered a signifier of its elegance. - Aldo Fiordelli.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a wide and all-encompassing bouquet with dried cherry or cherry pie with the crust, plum tart and rose potpourri. There are evident oak tones, but they fold into underbrush, grilled herb and the generous texture of this wine. Likewise, the 15% alcohol content also neatly disappears into the wine's fleshy fruit consistency. For sure, this is a wine that needs more bottle evolution in order to hone in on the silkiness and pretty freshness of such an important Sangiovese. Exactly 43,054 bottles were made along with about 1,000 larger formats.
Vielschichtiges Bouquet nach Waldfrüchten, Gewürzen, Unterholz und getrockneten Blumen; im Mund überaus präzise, die Tannine feinkörnig und gut eingebunden, die Säure akzentuiert: passgenauer Wein mit Charakter und Finesse.
This red pulls you toward the sanguine and iron side of Sangiovese, with a core of cherry and plum flavors that shows accents of oak spice and eucalyptus. There’s hard edge of tannins rimming the finish,leaving a compact feel. Best from 2027 through 2039. 5000 cases made, 2830 cases imported.
Faccino DoctorWine
Faccino DoctorWine
