Brother-and-sister team Paolo and Lucia Bianchini continue to make excellent Brunellos in the tradition of their father, Giuseppe, who died in 2004. They are better employing their new modern cellars, which were completed last year, and continue to maintain their south-facing vineyards at near pristine levels. The Brunellos emphasize finesse and balance, with layers of ultrafine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, yet they age incredibly well. The Bianchini family was gifted its Brunello estate in 1985 by Countess Elda Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, who had no heirs; Giuseppe had been the estate manager." -- The Wine Spectator, July 31, 2007
Ciacci Piccolmini is one of the most sought-after producers in all of Italy. This ancient estate has 35 hectares of superior holdings in the prized Castelnuovo dell'Abate zone, including the "Pianrosso" vineyard (from which the best grapes are selected for the Brunello di Montalcino) and the "Fonte" vineyard, which produces grapes for the Rosso di Montalcino. Plantings of Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot are to the south, where the Orcia river provides a milder microclimate. The non-traditional wines are as exciting as the Brunello and Rosso: "Ateo," which means "atheist", is a statement against the restrictive laws that govern winemaking in Italy; the wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and received 90 pts from Parker for the 2003 vintage. 100% Syrah "Fabius" is one of the greatest expressions of that varietal in Italy: Parker once called it "the finest Italian Syrah I have tasted."
Vineyard Management: Although the estate is not certified, the guidelines of organic agriculture are followed. Only sulfur- and copper-based products are used. The area is sheltered by Mount Amiata and enjoys excellent air circulation. Only organic fertilizers are used (there is a cattle farm nearby for manure). The soil between the rows of vines is tilled and no herbicides are used. Minimum dosages of SO2 is used in the wines.
Farming Practice: Practicing Organic
47c
Italy » Montalcino
Wine Enthusiast 98 WE TOP 100 2019 Rank 10 Cellar Selection "Wild-berry, fragrant purple-flower and crushed aromatic herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather
47eItaly » Montalcino
Wine Enthusiast 95 Cellar Selection "Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this radiant, full-bodied red opens with enticing scents of ripe black-skinned fruit, iris, cake spice and a
Wine Enthusiast 92 Editor's Choice "Violet, wild-berry and botanical-herb aromas lead the nose on this savory red. The bright juicy palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, wild
48aItaly » Montalcino
Wine Enthusiast 100 Cellar Selection "This gorgeous wine opens with alluring aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, underbrush, new leather, truffle, plum and eucalyptus. Smooth and full-bodied
Wine Spectator 96 "Exuding cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this effusive, fruity style is bright and elegant, with terrific harmony and a long,
James Suckling 93 "Aromas of dried cherries and plums with hints of flowers follow through to a full body with velvety tannins and a juicy, meaty,
Wine Enthusiast 95 Cellar Selection "Dark spice, ripe berry, forest floor, Mediterranean brush and new leather aromas lead the nose on this powerfully structured wine. On the
Wine Spectator 88 "Cherry, loam, tomato leaf and earth flavors highlight this fluid red. Balanced and moderately long. Drink now. 3,300 cases made. –BS" Rosso di Montalcino
Wine Spectator 91 "A harmonious style, whose graceful frame is enhanced by strawberry, cherry, graphite and tobacco flavors. Intense and long, with plenty of energy on
Wine Advocate 91 "The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino is plush, rich and totally inviting. It boasts stunning textural depth and richness for a Rosso. The warmth
James Suckling 100 "Aromas of plums, flowers, fresh mushrooms and violets. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, long finish. Beautiful balance and length.
James Suckling 97 Top 100 2017 # 22 "This is all about finesse and beauty with such great length and polish. It literally melts in your mouth.
Wine Spectator 92 "Very fruity aromas of raspberry, plum and fresh flowers lead to a full-bodied palate, with round, soft tannins and lots of juicy, delicious
Wine Spectator 98 "Fabulous aromas of cherry, fresh rose, blackberry and tar, with hints of raisin. Full-bodied, with wonderfully polished tannins. Ultrarefined. This is the greatest
Stephen Tanzer 91 "“Medium-dark ruby. Rich, fruity, fairly deep aromas of raspberry, orange zest, tea and tomato paste, with a touch of mushroom and moss at
Wine Spectator 91 "“A full-bodied red, showing aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla and mild spice, with a meaty note. Full, firm and flavorful. Tight
Wine Spectator 91 " A full-bodied red, showing aromas and flavors of dried cherry, vanilla and mild spice, with a meaty note. Full, firm and flavorful. Tight
Wine Spectator 94 WS TOP 100 2012 Rank 9 " Brother and sister Paolo and Lucia Bianchini are the team behind this impressive Brunello. The family’s vines
James Suckling 90 "Another reserved and fruity Rosso di Montalcino with beautiful cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a
James Suckling 93 "Aromas of dried fruits with hints of smoked meat and walnuts. Full body, with loads of fruit and a juicy, velvety palate. Intense
Vinous Media 91 "Proprietor Paolo Bianchini made some tough choices in 2009. There is no Riserva and no Pianrosso. Instead, all of that fruit went into
James Suckling 91 "Layers of animal, fresh wild strawberry with skin of dry cinnamon and lime on nose. Savory, sweet and grilled peach with layer of
Wine Advocate 94+ “One of the stars of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone, this historic estate in family hands for generations has beautifully interpreted the 2010 vintage.
James Suckling 98 "Aromas of lilac, dark berry and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and an intense and savory finish. Very
Vinous Media 92 "The 2012 Ateo, Ciacci's Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, captures the essence of this warm, radiant vintage in its exuberant fruit and juicy personality. Black