Description
The last 2015 vintage of Ciacci Piccolumini Brunello was the highest-ranked Italian wine in the Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 at #3 with 97 points. The 2016 vintage is at least the 2015’s equal.
Ciacci Piccolumini is easily one of our most popular Brunello offerings, and one of the most sought after and coveted producers in all of Italy! Do you believe in fairy tales? In this case, Giuseppe Bianchini had worked as the property manager at Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona for many years, and in 1985 when the countess died, the estate was bequeathed to him because she had no direct heirs. Giuseppe passed away in 2004, but his children continue their father’s tradition of excellence, as they meticulously and organically farm their ideally elevated south facing vineyards in the southeast near the village of Castelnuovo dell’ Abate.
Always showing off its trademark cherries and spice and pin point balance, the 2016 vintage displays more structure than the stellar 2015 and should age successfully for many years. 100% Sangiovese sourced from eight hectares • Soil of medium grain with good levels of marl dating to the Eocene period • 240 to 360 meters elevation • Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and glass concrete vats • Ages more than 24-30 months in 20-75 hl Slavonian oak barrels, plus 8 months in bottle
Yes, there was a price increase, but I reduced our margin to keep the bottle price at $59.95 ($65-$75). This is one 2016 Brunello NOT to miss! See ratings 95 point ratings from Parker’s Wine Advocate and James Suckling below.
he 2016 Brunello di Montalcino 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. 2024 – 2040” – 95+ points, Wine Advocate, Monica Larner (November 2020)
“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” – 95 points, James Suckling.com (October 2020)