# Brunello di Montalcino (2020)

- **Producer:** Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Tuscany, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €70
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe black cherry, black plum, blueberry, violet, mediterranean scrub, ripe red cherry, dark spice, leather, earth

## About this wine

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a 100% Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany. The estate, managed by the Bianchini family, boasts a legacy dating back to the 17th century and practices organic viticulture. The vineyards are situated at elevations of 240-360 meters on soils of medium grain and Eocene-period marl, with a south-westerly exposure. The 2020 vintage is noted for its depth and complexity.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are farmed using organic methods.
- Yields are intentionally kept 25% lower than legally permitted.
- The estate's history dates back to the 17th century.
- Sangiovese is locally known as 'Brunello' in this region.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. The bright acidity cuts through fatty elements, refreshing the palate, while the wine's savory and earthy notes can echo or contrast with herbs and spices in the dishes.

## Wine making process

Brunello di Montalcino from Ciacci Piccolomini is produced from 100% Sangiovese. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel and glass-lined concrete vats. The wine is aged for 30-36 months in Slavonian oak barrels of varying sizes (20-75 hl), followed by at least 8 months of bottle refinement. The estate practices organic farming, employing manual labor, dry pruning, and shoot selection, with yields typically 25% lower than legally accepted.