2024 Ciacci - Sant' Antimo DOC Fabius (750ml)

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona dates back to a 17th-century palazzo in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, built for Montalcino’s bishop Fabivs de’ Vecchis near the Romanesque Abbey of Sant’Antimo. In 1985 the last Countess, Elda Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, died without heirs and left the estate to her longtime manager, Giuseppe Bianchini. His children Paolo and Lucia now run this certified organic property, one of the most respected names in Brunello.

Fabius, named after that bishop, was one of the first pure Syrah wines made in Montalcino. The first vintage was 1998. The grapes come from the Vigna del Conte vineyard, which sits at 240 to 360 meters on marl-rich soils in a relatively cool part of southern Montalcino. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and glazed concrete tanks. The wine then ages for 12 months in small oak barrels before bottling under the Sant’Antimo DOC.

This deeply colored Syrah brings blackberry, black cherry and plum together with dark floral notes, cracked pepper and a hint of sweet tobacco. The palate is velvety and generous, with bright acidity and a mineral, iron-tinged finish that speaks of its Tuscan roots. It’s a natural match for grilled lamb, wild boar ragù or aged pecorino.