Plantings of Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot are to the south, where the Orcia river provides a milder microclimate. The non-traditional wines are as exciting as the Brunello and Rosso: ?Ateo,? which means ?atheist,? is a statement against the restrictive laws that govern winemaking in Italy; the wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 100% Syrah ?Fabius? is one of the greatest expressions of that variety in Italy and Parker once called it ?the finest Italian Syrah I have tasted.? The estate is a member of the EU ?Lotta Integrata? movement, which promotes reduced use of chemicals and organic viticulture; at Ciacci, fertilization is organic, and pruning and harvest are done by hand.
