Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate has origins that date back to the 17th century and it still keeps its historical heritage in a building called “Palazzo” (Palace) that was built for Fabivs de Vecchis, Bishop of Montalcino and Abbot of Sant’Antimo Abbey. After the Bishop’s death, the Palace and the surrounding estate were auctioned according to the Italian law regarding ecclesiastic properties and on September 16, 1868, they were purchased by the countess Eva Bernini Cerretani.

On December 31, 1877, the countess Cerretani sold the entire estate to the Ciacci family from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After the marriage between the count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona, a direct discendent of Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II) and Elda Ciacci, the Bishop’s Palace became the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Palace.

In 1985 the countess Elda Ciacci bequeathed the entire property to Giuseppe
Bianchini and his family, who took up residence at the Palace that became the headquarters of the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate. The Bianchini family upholds the heritage of the property and, with determination and pride, it maintains the traditions and culture that are part and parcel of the estate. Giuseppe Bianchini, excellent wine-grower and outgoing local, unfortunately passed away in February 2004 leaving his son and daughter, Paolo and Lucia, at the helm of the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Estate.

The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate is located on the south west slope of the municipality of Montalcino, close to the medieval village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate and to the famous Romanesque Abbey of Sant’Antimo, which dates back to the 9th century. A smaller part of the property is located near the village of Montenero d’ Orcia in the province of Grosseto.

The estate, extending over 220 hectares of land 
(of which roughly 190 in Montalcino and 30 in Montenero d’Orcia), with vines, olive groves, pastures and woods, has all the typical characteristics of the Tuscan countryside adorned with rolling hills and unforgettable colours. Set between Arna hill and the Orcia River to the south-east, it offers a unique panorama with the beautiful contour of Mount Amiata in the background.

Wild animals, scents of flowers and plants and the typical farmhouses dotted around, create a peaceful and calm atmosphere in this area.

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate has three wine cellars:
the historical wine cellar, dedicated to the long ageing of the most prestigious wines located in the basement of the 17th century Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Palace;

the new wine cellar, near the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, now the estate headquarters with fermentation, ageing, refinement and storage facilities. It also houses offices and a wine-shop;

the recently acquired S. Stefano wine cellar, situated in Montenero d’Orcia within Grosseto province, produces exclusively Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG.

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate has 40 hectares of vineyards, most of which are planted with Sangiovese Grosso vines to produce Bruello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino single vineyard Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino single vineyard Pianrosso Riserva Santa Caterina d’Oro and Rosso di Montalcino.

A part of the vineyards has been planted with international grape varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. From these grapes the estate produces Ateo, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fabivs, 100% Syrah. Finally, Montecucco Sangiovese is produced with Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah grapes grown in the vineyards situated in Montenero d’Orcia (Grosseto).