Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro Riserva 2016

Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. This historic estate in Montalcino dates back to the 17th century and boasts a stunning palazzo built by the Bishop of Montalcino. It was in the hands of the Ciacci family until the Countess Elda Ciacci gave it to her estate manager, Giuseppe Bianchini, since she had no direct descendants of her own. Since then it has been cared for by three generations of Bianchinis who are creating their own family legacy here. This single vineyard Brunello comes from the family’s prized Pianrosso plot which has 11.7 hectares of mature vines planted at up to 360 metres of altitude on marl soils. The proximity of the Orcia river is pivotal, helping to moderate temperatures and provide ideal growing conditions for top quality red wines. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless steel and glass-lined vats before being left to mature in large Slavonian oak casks for 3 years. This long and slow maturation period helps to emphasise the beauty of the terroir and the Sangiovese grape, adding subtle toast and spiced notes to the bright core of red fruit. On the palate there are firm tannins, a full body, and a long, structured finish which will all help this wine age beautifully in the cellar over the next couple of decades.

Price: £118.99 from 8wines UK