# Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (2021)

- **Producer:** Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.5%
- **Average price:** €70
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, strawberry, plum, violet, orange, cedar, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

The history of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona dates to the 17th century when its historic estate was built by the Bishop of Montalcino. In 1985, Countess Elda Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona bequeathed the estate to her long-time vineyard manager, Giuseppe Bianchini, whose family manages the property today. Located in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate zone near Montalcino, the estate is renowned for its organic viticulture and single-vineyard 'Pianrosso' bottling, grown on iron-rich galestro soils on south-facing slopes.

## Interesting facts

- In 1985, Countess Elda bequeathed her historic estate to her long-time vineyard manager Giuseppe Bianchini.
- The single vineyard name Pianrosso translates to 'red field' due to the high concentration of iron oxide in its soil.
- The wine is aged traditionally in large Slavonian oak botti rather than small French barriques.

## Food pairing

High tannins, full body, and pronounced savory depth require substantial protein and fat to bind tannins, alongside earthy and umami-rich components like wild game, truffles, and aged cheeses that complement the wine's intensity.

## Wine making process

Hand-picked grapes undergo rigorous sorting followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and glass-lined concrete tanks. Maturation takes place over 24 to 36 months in traditional large Slavonian oak casks (botti) ranging from 20 to 75 hectoliters, followed by an additional 8 to 12 months of bottle aging prior to release.