2018 Eredi Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino

The 2018 Eredi Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese from one of Montalcino’s most admired estates. Crafted only in vintages that meet the property’s exacting standards and aged a full four years—around two and a half in oak—this Brunello offers a refined balance of energy, structure, and grace. Frequently highlighted by critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling, Fuligni’s Brunello has earned a place among the top wines of the appellation, prized for its precision and age‑worthy elegance.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Fuligni Brunello shows a luminous medium to deep ruby core with garnet highlights at the rim, signalling both varietal purity and classic Brunello development. The nose opens slowly and seductively, unfolding layers of wild red berries, ripe cherry and floral notes of rose petals and crushed violets. With air, more complex nuances emerge: graphite and mineral tones, hints of dried herbs, sweet spices, black tea, and a touch of licorice, all beautifully interwoven rather than overpowering. On the palate, this is a Brunello of finesse rather than sheer weight, with a fresh and lively attack carried by finely etched acidity. The core of red and black cherry fruit is pure and vibrant, framed by polished yet firmly structured tannins that give the wine its age‑worthy backbone. Subtle notes of spice, tobacco leaf, and balsamic undertones add depth through the mid‑palate, leading to a long, focused finish with a mouthwatering mineral edge. While already approachable with some aeration, the wine is clearly built to evolve; under proper cellaring conditions it has the structure and freshness to develop additional complexity over 15–20 years or more.

Production
The grapes for Eredi Fuligni’s Brunello di Montalcino are sourced from estate vineyards in the eastern part of Montalcino, an area known for its well‑drained galestro and marl soils, ample sunlight, and cooling breezes that help preserve aromatic lift and acidity. Vines are densely planted—around 3,300 to 5,000 vines per hectare—and yields are kept very low, with the estate targeting roughly one bottle of wine per vine, ensuring exceptional concentration and phenolic ripeness. Harvest is carried out by hand, with bunches carefully selected for optimal maturity and health before a further sorting in the cellar. Vinification is traditional and restrained: the Sangiovese (Brunello) grapes undergo a controlled fermentation and maceration to gently extract color, aroma, and fine tannins, followed by an extended maturation of approximately four years, including about two and a half years in large oak casks. This patient, classical élevage allows the wine to harmonize and express the terroir with clarity and elegance, without overt oak dominance.

Food & Serving
This Brunello’s combination of aromatic delicacy and firm structure makes it a superb partner for refined yet flavorful dishes. It shines alongside roasted lamb with rosemary, bistecca alla fiorentina, braised veal shanks, game birds, and slow‑cooked ragù over pappardelle. Mature hard cheeses such as Parmigiano‑Reggiano or aged Pecorino Toscano also make excellent companions. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and balance. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open fully and reveal its intricate layers of fruit, florals, and spice.

Producer
Fuligni is one of the historic and most respected names in Montalcino, with roots on the eastern slopes of the appellation and a long tradition of crafting classically styled Brunello. Over generations, the estate has built a reputation for meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and an unwavering commitment to quality, choosing not to bottle Brunello in vintages that do not reach their elevated standards. Their wines are frequently praised by international critics and regularly feature among the top Brunello di Montalcino releases, helping to define the region’s benchmark for elegance, balance, and age‑worthiness. Fuligni’s consistent excellence has cemented its status as a reference point estate for collectors and serious Brunello enthusiasts worldwide.