Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona "Santa Caterina d'Oro Pianrosso" Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015

In Short

A Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from prime hillside vineyards, aged longer by law, offering dark cherry and plum with mineral depth and refined tannins.

Quick Facts

• Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany
• Vineyard: Pianrosso
• Variety: Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso)
• Style: Full-bodied red
• Best For: Special occasions, cellar aging

Why We Stock It

The Riserva designation means this Brunello has spent extra time in barrel and bottle before release, and it shows in the composure and balance on the palate. Ciacci Piccolomini's hillside vineyard sites are among Montalcino's most respected, and the 2015 vintage is a strong year for the region. At this price point it represents serious Tuscan winemaking without the markup of the very largest names.

Tasting Profile

This is a wine built for patience, with the structure and aromatics that develop over years in the glass.

• Aroma: Dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, leather, subtle oak spice
• Palate: Red fruit, tobacco, mineral notes, firm tannins, bright acidity
• Structure & Finish: Full body, refined tannins, long and persistent finish with earthy complexity

Winemaking

Brunello di Montalcino requires a minimum of six months in oak and 24 months in bottle before release. The Riserva designation demands an additional year of aging before bottling. The wine is made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown in the estate's vineyards.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 64 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, decanted for an hour if opening now. The wine's acidity and tannin structure pair beautifully with grilled beef and game; it is equally at home alongside aged pecorino and cured meats. The mineral undertones also work well with roasted mushrooms or truffle-dressed pasta.

The Estate

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a historic grower in Montalcino with vineyards on south and southwest-facing slopes. The estate manages its own vineyards and produces wine exclusively from fruit grown on the property.

Terroir

Brunello di Montalcino lies in the southern Crete Senesi hills of Tuscany, where limestone and clay soils with significant altitude give the Sangiovese Grosso its characteristic acidity and structure. The Pianrosso vineyard's hillside position and exposure bring ripe fruit while maintaining mineral tension, the defining character of serious Brunello.