Fuligni
Summary
Fuligni is a four-generation family estate in Montalcino producing approximately 40,000 bottles annually from 10 hectares of high-altitude eastern slope vineyards, focusing primarily on Sangiovese for their Brunello di Montalcino wines grown in galestro and alberese soils. Their traditional approach combines hand harvesting with extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks under the direction of Maria Flora Fuligni and enologist Paolo Vagaggini, maintaining the estate's century-old commitment to expressing Montalcino's specific terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Fuligni was established in 1923 when the Fuligni family, originally from Maremma, settled in Montalcino. The estate was founded by Giovanni Fuligni, a Venetian nobleman who served as a cavalry officer in the First World War. The property has remained in family hands for four generations, maintaining continuity in both ownership and winemaking philosophy.
Today, the estate is directed by Maria Flora Fuligni, who represents the fourth generation of family leadership. Maria Flora works closely with enologist Paolo Vagaggini, a respected Sangiovese specialist who has been instrumental in maintaining the estate's traditional approach while implementing selective modern techniques. The family's historical residence, built in the 1700s, continues to serve as both home and the administrative center for the winery operations.
Vineyards & Wines
Fuligni's vineyards span approximately 10 hectares across the eastern slope of the Montalcino hill at elevations between 380-450 meters above sea level. This elevation provides optimal diurnal temperature variation, allowing for slow, even ripening of the Sangiovese grapes. The vineyards are primarily planted on galestro and alberese soils—a mix of marl, limestone, and sandstone that contributes to the structural complexity of their wines.
The estate's holdings are divided between several parcels, with the primary vineyards located in the Cottimelli area. Sangiovese comprises 100% of the plantings dedicated to Brunello production, with some additional varieties grown for their Rosso di Montalcino and Super Tuscan offerings. The vineyard management focuses on low yields, with production typically limited to around 40,000 bottles annually across their portfolio.
Fuligni produces a classic range of Montalcino wines, including Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Rosso di Montalcino, and S.J. (a Super Tuscan blend). Their flagship Brunello is produced only in vintages that meet the family's quality standards, while the Riserva is made exclusively in exceptional years from select vineyard parcels with older vines.
Philosophy & Practice
Fuligni adheres to a winemaking philosophy that balances respect for tradition with judicious use of modern techniques. Harvesting is conducted entirely by hand, with multiple passes through the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process.
Aging follows the strict protocols of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, with their standard Brunello aged for a minimum of 30 months in Slavonian oak casks ranging from 25 to 50 hectoliters in capacity. The Riserva receives extended aging, typically 36-40 months in oak followed by additional bottle refinement before release. This patient approach to maturation allows the wines to develop complexity while preserving the distinctive character of Sangiovese grown in their specific terroir.
The estate maintains a deliberate production scale that allows for meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process. This hands-on approach extends from vineyard management through vinification and aging, with Maria Flora personally overseeing operations to ensure consistency with the family's long-established quality standards. The result is a portfolio of wines that express both the distinctive characteristics of Montalcino's terroir and the Fuligni family's traditional winemaking heritage.