Brunello di Montalcino DOCG · Italy
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso
The 2018 Pianrosso Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a single-vineyard Sangiovese approaching its peak — spicy, fruit-forward, and built with the structure to carry through 2038.
- Varietal
- Sangiovese Grosso
- Vintage
- 2018
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2027.
Right now: In 2026, the 2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Pianrosso Brunello di Montalcino is two years from its projected peak window, which opens in 2027. The wine entered its drinking window in 2024 and is approachable but still in an early developmental phase. The fruit-forward, spicy character that defines the Pianrosso vineyard is present and accessible, while the pronounced tannins and vivid acidity are still the dominant structural elements. Collectors who can hold through 2027-2028 will be rewarded with a substantially more integrated and expressive wine. The peak runs from 2027 to 2038, with the hard decline projected at 2042.
Tasting Note
Ruby-garnet with good concentration and transparency to the rim. The nose is intense and complex: ripe red berries open first, followed by a warm, spicy bouquet of cinnamon, clove, and dried herb that lifts the fruit. There is a characteristic Brunello iron and mineral quality beneath the fruit. The palate is harmonious and full-bodied with pronounced tannins providing structure and a lively acidity driving the finish. The savouriness and length are hallmarks of the Pianrosso site. This is a wine that will reward patience as the tannins integrate and the aromatic complexity expands.
About Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona
Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is one of the great estates of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate zone in Montalcino, farming a historic property that has been associated with the Piccolomini family for centuries. The Pianrosso bottling takes its name from the estate's flagship single vineyard — a steep, south-facing site with reddish galestro and clay soils that produces Sangiovese of unusual depth and spice. Winemaking at the estate is led by Luca Cantini, using large Slavonian oak casks and patient elevage to develop the wine's complexity without sacrificing the purity of fruit that defines the vineyard's character.
Food Pairings
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary, garlic, and cannellini beans
The wine's pronounced tannins and lively acidity cut through the fat of slow-roasted lamb, while the herbs and legumes mirror the wine's savory spice and minerality.
Grilled T-bone bistecca with Maldon sea salt and olive oil
Classic Tuscan pairing: the Pianrosso's fruit-forward intensity and structural tannin are designed for charred dry-aged beef with minimal interference from seasoning.
Ribollita (Tuscan bread and vegetable soup) with aged Parmigiano
The earthy, acidic backbone of ribollita echoes the wine's iron and mineral character, while the Parmigiano's umami depth rounds the tannin on the midpalate.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 64-67°F (18-19°C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, decant 2-3 hours. The wine is in its early window and the pronounced tannin structure requires extended aeration to open fully. From 2027 onward approaching peak, 1.5-2 hours in a wide-bottomed decanter will allow the aromatic complexity to develop.
- Cellar Storage
- 55°F (13°C), 65-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
When is the best time to drink the 2018 Pianrosso Brunello?
The peak window opens in 2027 and extends through 2038. In 2026 the wine is approachable but still in an early developmental phase with prominent tannins. Holding another 12-18 months will yield a dramatically more integrated and complex experience. If opening now, plan a 2-3 hour decant.
What makes the Pianrosso vineyard special?
Pianrosso is a single, south-facing vineyard on the Castelnuovo dell'Abate estate with reddish galestro and clay soils. The site's orientation and soil composition produce Sangiovese of unusual depth, spice, and mineral character — distinctive even within the Brunello di Montalcino appellation.
How was the 2018 Brunello vintage overall?
Challenging at the start, but the best producers navigated it well. Wine Spectator rated the 2018 Brunello Outstanding at 93 points, noting that the finest wines are aromatic, elegant, and fresh. Cool September conditions after a rainy spring allowed for clean, measured ripening at sites with good drainage like Pianrosso.
How much should I decant the 2018 Pianrosso?
In 2026, plan for 2-3 hours. The pronounced tannins and intense extraction typical of the Pianrosso site need extended aeration to fully integrate. Approaching peak from 2027, 1.5-2 hours in a wide-bottomed decanter is appropriate.
Who is the winemaker at Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona?
Luca Cantini leads winemaking at the estate, working with large Slavonian oak casks and a patient approach to elevage. His philosophy prioritizes the preservation of the Pianrosso vineyard's natural fruit character and mineral integrity while developing the structural complexity that defines great Brunello.
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