Ciacci Piccolomini d`Aragona winery
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is a historic wine estate located in the heart of Montalcino, Tuscany, with origins dating back to the 17th century. The estate covers 220 hectares, of which 55 are dedicated to vineyards and 40 to olive groves, nestled between the Orcia River and the slopes of Mount Amiata. Its unique position benefits from a particular microclimate and diverse soils, ideal for cultivating Sangiovese and producing exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wines.
The estate’s story began in 1877 when the palace and lands were built by the Bishop of Montalcino, later passing through several noble families before being inherited in 1985 by Giuseppe Bianchini, a former estate manager. Under Bianchini’s guidance, Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona transformed from a traditional farm into a benchmark for quality Brunello, combining respect for tradition with innovation. Today, the estate remains family-run, with Paolo and Lucia Bianchini continuing their father’s legacy.
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona is best known for its Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Rosso di Montalcino DOC, and other labels such as the “Ateo” and “Fabius” IGT wines, as well as extra virgin olive oil. The vineyards are managed with sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact and using organic fertilizers. Harvesting is done by hand, allowing careful selection of the best grapes. The Sangiovese vines, some over 30 years old, are cultivated at altitudes ranging from 240 to 360 meters, with soils rich in marl, tuff, and clay.
Winemaking at Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona combines tradition and technology. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel and concrete vats with temperature control, followed by aging in large Slavonian oak barrels. This approach preserves the elegance and complexity of Sangiovese, resulting in wines with depth, structure, and longevity. The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG matures for at least two years in oak and then ages further in bottle before release, while the Rosso di Montalcino DOC is crafted for earlier enjoyment but still reflects the estate’s signature style.
Visitors to Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona can enjoy guided tours of the historic cellars, vineyards, and olive groves, as well as tastings of current releases and older vintages. The estate also offers hospitality in the ancient Palazzo, surrounded by the scenic Tuscan countryside. The commitment to quality, respect for tradition, and embrace of innovation have earned Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona widespread acclaim and a loyal following among wine lovers worldwide.
In addition to wine production, the estate is dedicated to preserving the local environment and cultural heritage. The olive groves yield a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, produced with the same attention to detail as their wines. Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona’s philosophy centers on harmony with nature, family values, and a passion for excellence, making it a distinguished destination in Montalcino and a standard-bearer for Tuscan wine.