Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

2018

Vintage

Varietal

Sangiovese Grosso

ABV

Peak 2027-2038

Where it is, June 2026

Approaching Peak: drinkable, but best years are ahead.

In May 2026, the 2018 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello Pianrosso is in its second year of drinking and showing with increasing expressiveness. The window opened in 2024, and at eight years from harvest the wine has begun to integrate its tannins and develop the secondary complexity that makes mature Brunello so compelling. The fruit-forward, spicy bouquet is vibrant and expressive, and the palate is finding its balance between the pronounced Sangiovese Grosso tannins and the rich fruit of the Pianrosso vineyard. Peak drinking runs from 2027 through 2038, and the wine will continue to develop complexity through that window. A 60 to 90 minute decant is recommended for current drinking.

Related vintages

The ‘18 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso.

A vibrant, fruit-forward Brunello from Montalcino's benchmark southern slope vineyard, combining warm spice, red berry richness, and firm Sangiovese structure.

Drinking window

The arcYou are here · approaching peak, 2026

Tasting note

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of Montalcino's most respected producers, with estate vineyards on the southern slope of the hill that reliably produce Brunello of warmth, concentration, and genuine character. The Pianrosso bottling comes from the estate's flagship single vineyard, a south-facing site whose deep, well-drained soils consistently produce Sangiovese Grosso of exceptional intensity and aromatic complexity. The 2018 vintage is a wine of beautiful, fruit-forward expression with a serious structural backbone beneath. The color is ruby-garnet, deep and luminous. On the nose the bouquet is intense and complex, leading with ripe red berries and a warm, spicy character that reflects both the 2018 vintage conditions and the Pianrosso vineyard's southern exposure. The fruit is ripe and forward without sacrificing complexity, and the bouquet is layered with dried herb, mineral earth, and a warm, harmonious quality that suggests immediate accessibility alongside genuine aging potential. On the palate the wine shows the Sangiovese Grosso character fully: pronounced, focused tannins that provide excellent structure, bright and lively acidity that drives the finish, and a savory quality that prevents the wine from ever feeling over-ripe. The finish is long and complex, with persistent fruit, spice, and the savoury minerality of the Pianrosso site.

The 2018 vintage

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino vintage is regarded as one of the strongest in the appellation's recent history, with warm growing conditions producing fruit of deep concentration and phenolic maturity. The Pianrosso vineyard's southern exposure made particularly efficient use of the 2018 warmth, producing Sangiovese Grosso of rich fruit intensity and the warm, harmonious character that the estate's house style emphasizes. The vintage's natural acidity was well-preserved by the appellation's elevation and traditional winemaking approach, resulting in wines built for significant aging despite their early approachability.

About Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of Brunello di Montalcino's benchmark estates, owned by the Bianchini family and producing wines of consistent quality and authentic appellation character from their south-facing hillside vineyards. The Pianrosso vineyard represents the estate's most prized terroir, and the single-vineyard Brunello from this site is widely regarded as one of the appellation's finest expressions of the warmth and richness that the southern Montalcino slope can deliver. The estate's approach combines traditional large-format oak aging with careful attention to vineyard management and fruit selection.

From the cellar: pair with

Wild boar with Tuscan herbs and polenta

The Pianrosso vineyard's warm, spicy Brunello character aligns naturally with the gamey richness of wild boar, a classic central Italian pairing.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina with sea salt and rosemary

Brunello's firm tannins and bright acidity are the traditional accompaniment to Tuscany's great grilled steak, cutting through the fat and mirroring the char.

Aged Pecorino with honey and walnuts

The wine's mineral depth and long tannic finish are beautifully complemented by the fatty richness of aged Pecorino, with honey softening the encounter.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 16 to 18 degrees C (61 to 64 degrees F)
Decanting: Decant 60 to 90 minutes before serving; the wine benefits significantly from extended air exposure.
Cellar Storage: 12 to 14 degrees C (54 to 57 degrees F)

Track this bottle Read the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG guide

The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.

Frequently Asked

What makes the Pianrosso vineyard special?

The Pianrosso is a single south-facing vineyard owned exclusively by Ciacci Piccolomini, whose warmth and deep soils produce Sangiovese Grosso of exceptional concentration and a warm, harmonious character distinct from northern Montalcino sites.

Is the 2018 Pianrosso ready to drink?

Yes. The wine entered its window in 2024 and is drinking with increasing expressiveness in 2026. Peak drinking runs from 2027 through 2038.

How does Pianrosso differ from Ciacci's regular Brunello?

Pianrosso is a single-vineyard selection from the estate's finest south-facing site, offering greater concentration, warmth, and site-specific character than the estate's appellation-level Brunello.

How long can I cellar this wine?

The hard decline is projected around 2042, giving the wine over fifteen years of cellaring potential from today.