Fuligni

The Fuligni family traces its roots to the Venetian aristocracy, having moved to England in the 14th century before relocating to Tuscany in 1770. Members of the family settled in Montalcino in the early 1900s with the goal of producing wine, founding the estate formally in 1923. The property itself dates back to a 17th-century Medici villa, giving it one of the longer institutional histories in the Montalcino zone. Maria Flora Fuligni has owned the estate since 1971, and her nephew Roberto Guerrini Fuligni is involved in its ongoing management.

• Founded 1923 by the Fuligni viscounts, an ancient Venetian noble family
• Property dates to a 17th-century Medici villa
• Family relocated to Tuscany in 1770, settling in Montalcino in the early 1900s
• Maria Flora Fuligni has been owner since 1971

Fuligni's vineyards sit on the eastern and northeastern slopes of Montalcino, historically regarded as the zone of the most authentic Brunello production. The 14 hectares are divided into 10 separate parcels, giving the estate a fragmented but carefully managed mosaic of sites. Elevations run from 380 to 450 metres, and the soils reflect the complexity of the Santa Fiora geological formation of Eocene origin, combining marl, galestro, tufa, and clay. The Mediterranean climate supports both viticulture and olive cultivation. Vine age averages 15 to 25 years, with some blocks exceeding 40 years, preserving old Sangiovese Grosso clones of significant genetic interest.

• Eastern and northeastern Montalcino, considered historically the most authentic zone for Brunello
• Rocky soils from the Santa Fiora marl formation of Eocene origin, with galestro, tufa, and clay
• 10 separate parcels across 14 hectares at 380 to 450 metres elevation
• Some vines exceed 40 years of age, preserving old Sangiovese Grosso clones

Fuligni produces wines across three appellations: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Rosso di Montalcino DOC, and IGT Toscana. The estate practices low yields per hectare and will skip a vintage entirely if the grapes do not meet its quality threshold. The regular Brunello is aged for four years, with two and a half to three years in wood using a combination of Slavonian oak barrels and Allier tonneaux. The Brunello Riserva, produced only in the best years, receives five years of total aging, including three and a half years in wood. The Rosso di Montalcino is labeled Ginestreto, named after the broom flower. IGT Toscana wines include JOANNI, made from Merlot, and ROSATO, made from Sangiovese. Enologist Paolo Vagaggini oversees production.

• Regular Brunello aged 4 years total, with 2.5 to 3 years in Slavonian oak and Allier tonneaux
• Brunello Riserva produced only in top vintages, aged 5 years with 3.5 years in wood
• Rosso di Montalcino labeled Ginestreto, named after the local broom flower
• IGT wines include Merlot-based JOANNI and Sangiovese ROSATO

Fuligni operates with a clear quality-first philosophy rooted in restraint. Low yields are standard practice, and the decision to skip vintages when fruit quality falls short reflects a commitment that prioritizes reputation over volume. The estate's use of both large Slavonian oak and smaller Allier tonneaux gives the wines structure while preserving aromatic detail. The preservation of old vine Sangiovese Grosso clones demonstrates a long-term investment in site-specific character rather than widespread replanting with commercial material.

• Low yields per hectare are a consistent production principle
• Vintage declassification practiced when fruit quality is insufficient
• Combination of Slavonian oak and Allier tonneaux used for aging Brunello
• Old Sangiovese Grosso clones over 40 years old are actively preserved