Wine Details

Ciacci Piccolomini Ateo Sant' Antimo DOC

Ateo (“atheist” in Italian) was first produced in 1989, a difficult vintage between two excellent years, as a result of the decision not to produce Brunello in less than ideal vintages. That vintage also represented the first harvest of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyards, the grapes that comprise the wine today. Ateo is a vibrant and juicy wine with intense herbal, spice and fruity (black cherry, plum) notes. A nice structure is supported by balanced tannins and indisputable personality.

Region:

Producer:

Ciacci Piccolomini D'aragona

Classification:

Sant' Antimo DOC

Variety:

50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot

Number of bottles produced:

13,000 bottles

Production area:

Vigne Iscritte all'Albo, subzone of Castelnuovo dell'Abate

Altitude:

240-360 m

Age of vines:

8-15 years

Vinification:

Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and glass concrete vats

Refining:

Aged approx. 18 months in French and American oak barriques

Alcohol content:

14%

Soil:

Medium-grain soil with good level of marl, dating back ot the Eocene period

Harvest:

Mid to late September

First vintage:

1989

Release:

September

Recent press reviews

90

Ciacci Piccolomini Ateo Sant' Antimo DOC 2021

Falstaff Magazine (90)- "Dark ruby violet with limited transparency. Invigorating scent of fresh raspberries and wild strawberries, cold fruit tea and some menthol, herbaceous. Juicy on the palate, berry fruit runs like a red thread, dry, grippy tannins and crisp acidity, dark chocolate and peppermint in the finish, unfortunately dries out a bit."

92

Ciacci Piccolomini Ateo Sant' Antimo DOC 2012

Vinous Media (92)- "The 2012 Ateo, Ciacci's Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, captures the essence of this warm, radiant vintage in its exuberant fruit and juicy personality. Black cherry, plum, spice and licorice flesh out in a succulent wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. The blend is 50/50, but it is the Merlot that really seems to jump from the glass today."

91

Ciacci Piccolomini Ateo Sant' Antimo DOC 2011

James Suckling (91)- "Dark-berry and chocolate aromas with hints of mint, particularly spearmint. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a savory finish. Some chocolate-mousse undertones. Drink now."