2007 Ciacci Piccolomini Blanchini Montecucco

(88 Points) The 2006 Sangiovese is made in the Montecucco appellation which lies across the valley from the southern part of the Brunello region. This fruity, vinous Sangiovese is loaded with plenty of up-front fruit and an engaging, supple personality. It is a pretty wine to drink now and over the next two to three years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Proprietor Paolo Bianchini is upbeat about his 2003 Brunellos. It is the first vintage in which he had the tools to perform a cold soak, which he feels was especially critical in preserving as much freshness as possible in the wines. For the Brunellos, fermentation and maceration lasted several weeks and the wines were aged in cask.