Tenuta Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona is a spectacular estate in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of Italy. It is located in the hills south of the ancient town of Montalcino, above the River Orcia and not far from the legendary medieval Abbey of S. Antimo. It is a classic Tuscan farm: a very large property of 425 acres, devoted to vineyards, olive groves, cereal crops, pasture, and woodland. The beautiful 17th century Palazzo was built by the Abbot of S. Antimo. For centuries it was inhabited by aristocrats, but in 1985 the Countess Piccolomini died without a direct heir. To the great surprise of Guiseppe Bianchini, the manager of the estate, the magnificent property was left to him. He died in 2004, having devoted his life to the continual improvement of Ciacci Piccolomini's wines. Today his work his carried on by his children Paolo and Lucia. The wines from Ciacci Piccolomini are a wonderful example of luscious Sangiovese Grosso fom the Southern hills of Montalcino. The flagship vineyard Pianrosso is 29 hectares, planted entirely with Sangiovese Grosso at 240 - 360 meters above sea level: one of the highest vineyards in the area. The production is roughly 44,000 bottles per year. Although the estate is not certified, the guidelines of organic agriculture are respected. Typically the vineyards are cropped at 25% less than what would be normally accepted by the local wine laws of Montalcino. The style of the wines is staunchly traditional, which is to say that they are much rounder and more elegant than many of the Brunellos that have become famous in recent years. After fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and concrete, the wines are aged for two years in Slavonian oak botti. Given their superlative quality, the wines are outstanding value.