Fuligni is a family-owned estate on the eastern slopes of Montalcino, in the area historically considered the source of the most classic style of Brunello. The Fuligni family, of ancient Venetian and English origin, settled in the town in the early twentieth century, and the estate has remained in family hands ever since, currently under the stewardship of Maria Flora Fuligni and her nephew Roberto Guerrini. Around 14 hectares of vines sit at 380 to 450 metres, on rocky, marl-rich soils facing east and southeast, worked with longtime consulting oenologist Paolo Vagaggini, whose relationship with the family dates back to the 1960s. The wines are aged in the family's historic cellars, part beneath their 18th-century palazzo in town, part in a converted convent at Cottimelli, in a mix of large Slavonian oak casks and French tonneaux.

The 2021 growing season opened with a rainy spring that built healthy water reserves, laying the foundation for what's already being called one of the great modern Brunello vintages. At Fuligni it shows as pure aristocratic finesse: perfumed, precise, built on ultra-fine tannins rather than weight. The wine spends three years in Slavonian oak and tonneaux before release, with 30,000 bottles produced.

"This is one of the greatest Brunellos I have made in my career. The harmony and balance of the 2021 is exceptional."

— Roberto Guerrini, Eredi Fuligni

The Fuligni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino stands out for its smooth integration of aromas and the carefully balanced intensity achieved here, which shows momentum but also remains very fine and nuanced. There are many sides to the bouquet with wild fruit, cassis, crushed stone, candied orange and fresh herbs or rosemary. A floral note also appears that suggests rose or iris root. The tannins are very well managed and silky. You hardly feel them, yet the wine offers firm structure throughout. This is a production of 35,000 bottles and one I am happy to recommend.