Wines Brunello di Montalcino Ciacci Piccolomini Aragona - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona’s Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is an excellent representative of this storied Tuscan appellation, made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, locally called “Brunello”. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, allowing for nuanced ripeness and well-integrated tannins. Traditional vinification methods predominate here, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks before long maturation in large Slavonian oak casks. This approach yields a wine of remarkable purity, displaying a deep ruby hue and an expressive bouquet of ripe red cherries, wild berries, dried violets and subtle notes of underbrush and sweet spice. The palate is elegant yet powerful, with finely grained tannins, vibrant acidity and a lingering finish redolent of tobacco, leather and balsamic nuances, heralding excellent ageing potential.

Tuscany enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, tempered by coastal breezes and significant diurnal temperature variation, particularly in the hills around Montalcino. The vineyards here rest on a mosaic of soils — from clay and limestone to galestro and marl — imparting great complexity and ageability to the wines. Montalcino itself boasts a long history, having recognised Brunello as its flagship in the 19th century, now cemented by its DOCG status. The region’s ancient soils and climate provide Sangiovese with ample opportunity for expressive, structured wines that are among Italy’s most esteemed.

Brunello di Montalcino’s structure and aromatic profile make it an ideal partner for braised beef, wild boar ragù, ossobuco, or bistecca alla fiorentina. Local pecorino cheeses or porcini risotto also offer satisfying pairings, as do game birds in rich, savoury sauces.

Decant your Brunello di Montalcino 2020 at least an hour before serving to allow its bouquet to unfurl. The optimal serving temperature is 16-18°C to ensure both aromatics and texture shine. Enjoy now for its youthful energy or cellar for a decade or more to allow tertiary complexity to emerge.