Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso di Montalcino 2024

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona makes this Rosso di Montalcino from Sangiovese grown in the warm southern corner of the Montalcino zone in Tuscany. The estate lies near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, where galestro and clay soils and good elevation give the Sangiovese its firm acidity and savoury grip, while the dry, sunny climate and the warming influence off the coast bring the fruit to full ripeness. Rosso di Montalcino is the younger sibling of Brunello, made from the same grape but with a shorter ageing, here a spell in wood that rounds the tannins and keeps the fruit fresh and direct. Malolactic fermentation softens the natural acidity into a supple texture. The wine is bright ruby, with fresh cherry, ripe blackberry, rose petal and a touch of dried herb and earth, carried by lively acidity and fine, slightly grippy tannins. At 15 percent alcohol it has weight but stays lifted and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, with bistecca, pasta in a rich tomato ragù or mushroom risotto.