Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 Red Wine

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016

Tuscany, Italy

97 pts., Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast:

"Red-berry, wild-rose, crushed mint and dark-spice aromas are front and center on this fragrant red. The full-bodied palate is concentrated but also boasts finesse, offering layers of raspberry jam, smooth licorice and tobacco alongside a backbone of enveloping, velvety tannins. You’ll also detect the warmth of alcohol but the succulent fruit stands up to it. Drink 2024–2036."

95+ pts. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino (with 56,000 bottles made) shows bold cherry, spice, crushed stone and balsam herb that come together in seamless fashion. This estate has honed a unique style that becomes a common theme traced to each new vintage. I'd describe it as delicate but also succulent with a rich and almost pulpy quality of fruit. The wine is fueled by the golden light that hits this part of Tuscany in those last hours of the day. Here is a wine that shows spirit of place. Rating: 95+"

95 pts. James Suckling:

"Lots of red and blue fruit to this, evolving into wet leaves, freshly turned soil and brewed tea. Light herbal notes. Sweet cherries, too. It's full bodied with silky, firm tannins. More minerality and tea notes on the finish. Elegant and driven. Drink after 2023."

FROM THE WINERY

Vineyard: 8 Ha with soil of medium grain with good levels of marl dating to the Eocene period. The altitude of the vineyards varies from 240 to 360 meters above sea level.

Grape varietal: 100% Sangiovese

Fermentation and refinement: In stainless steel and glass concrete vats, temperature-controlled via cooling plates and jackets.

Ageing: More than 24 months in 20-75 hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by over 8 months of bottle refinement.

Colour: Ruby red verging on garnet.

Organoleptic characteristics: The bouquet is intense, fruit-forward, spicy and floral with hints of red berry fruits enriched by delicate spicy notes. Warm, soft and very well balanced on the palate; well structured with soft tannins and long aftertaste.

Service: Open an hour before pouring and serve at 18°C (64,4° F) in large crystal glasses. Bottles should be kept in a horizontal position, far from light sources and protected from both extremes and changes in temperature.

Food pairings: Great companion to roasted and stewed game meat. Excellent with mature cheeses and traditional hand-made pasta featuring red meat and game ragout.

Technical notes: Bottles are protected against counterfeiting by a hologram on the capsule.