Brunello di Montalcino (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino presents an intense bouquet of red berry fruits, complemented by delicate spicy and floral notes. On the palate, it is warm and soft, showcasing a well-balanced structure with soft tannins and a long aftertaste. This vintage reflects the estate's commitment to traditional winemaking, with fermentation in stainless steel and glass concrete vats, followed by over 24 months of aging in large Slavonian oak barrels. The 1985 vintage is noted for its exceptional quality, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity. As a mature Brunello, it offers a harmonious blend of fruit and tertiary flavors, making it a noteworthy example of the Sangiovese grape's aging potential.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jupiter," is a red grape variety that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries. In the Montalcino region of Tuscany, a unique clone known as Sangiovese Grosso, or "Brunello," was identified in the 19th century. This clone is renowned for producing wines with deep color, robust structure, and exceptional aging potential. The 1985 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino is crafted exclusively from this Sangiovese Grosso clone, reflecting the grape's adaptability to Montalcino's diverse terroir and its capacity to yield complex, long-lived wines.

Quick facts

• 🌟 The 1985 vintage of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona's Brunello di Montalcino is renowned for its exceptional quality, earning a five-star rating from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino.
• 🍇 This wine is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as 'Brunello,' which translates to 'little dark one' due to the grape's dark skin.
• ⛰️ The estate's vineyards are situated at elevations between 240 and 360 meters above sea level, benefiting from a unique microclimate influenced by the nearby Orcia River and Mount Amiata.
• 🛢️ Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona's Brunello di Montalcino undergoes traditional aging in large Slavonian oak barrels, imparting subtle oak flavors and allowing the wine to develop complexity over time.
• 🍷 The 1985 vintage is noted for its longevity, with well-preserved bottles continuing to offer a rich and balanced tasting experience even decades after production.

Palate profile

Producer

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, located in Montalcino, Italy, traces its origins to the 17th century when the Bishop of Montalcino, Fabivs de' Vecchis, constructed the original palace. In 1877, the Ciacci family acquired the estate, and through the marriage of Elda Ciacci and Count Alberto Piccolomini d'Aragona, a descendant of Pope Pius II, the property was renamed. In 1985, Countess Elda Ciacci bequeathed the estate to Giuseppe Bianchini, the longtime farm manager, who transformed it into a renowned wine producer. Today, the winery is managed by Giuseppe's children, Paolo and Lucia, who continue to uphold the family's winemaking legacy.