2016 Eredi Fuligni Joanni Merlot

From one of Montalcino’s most respected Brunello producers comes a very different expression of the estate’s terroir: the 2016 Eredi Fuligni Joanni Merlot. Crafted as a true “Super Tuscan,” this is a pure Merlot grown on the slopes traditionally reserved for Sangiovese, resulting in a wine that marries Tuscan energy with Right Bank richness. Produced only in outstanding vintages, Joanni is a rare, high-end cuvée that showcases just how refined and complex Merlot can be in Montalcino’s unique landscape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Joanni presents a deep, saturated ruby core with subtle garnet reflections, promising concentration and maturity without heaviness. The nose opens with vivid aromas of ripe plum and blueberry, layered with dark cherries, blackcurrant, and a swirl of sweet spices—vanilla, clove, and a hint of cocoa—framed by delicate floral tones and a whisper of tobacco. On the palate, this is supple and generous yet impressively structured, often described as a distinctly Italian take on Pomerol. Juicy black and blue fruits are wrapped in polished, firm tannins that feel both ripe and finely etched. Notes of dark chocolate, licorice, and toasted oak complement a lifted, spicy acidity that gives the wine precision and “punch,” carrying it through a long, elegant finish with a lingering floral and mineral imprint. The 2016 vintage, one of the great years in Montalcino, endows this Merlot with both immediate charm and serious aging potential; it will drink beautifully now with proper aeration and should continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years.

Production
Joanni is sourced from a small, historic Merlot vineyard that has belonged to the Fuligni estate for decades, tucked into the rolling hills of Montalcino where rocky, well-drained soils and significant diurnal shifts yield grapes of striking concentration and freshness. The Merlot is carefully harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, with strict selection to ensure only the finest clusters make it into the final wine. In the cellar, Joanni is vinified with the same attention to detail as Fuligni’s top Brunellos, followed by an extended maturation of around three years in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle spice, texture, and complexity. After barrel aging, the wine rests for an additional year in bottle before release, allowing the various elements—fruit, tannin, oak, and acidity—to knit together into a harmonious whole.

Food & Serving
This refined Super Tuscan Merlot is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes such as braised lamb shanks, beef short ribs, Tuscan-style roasted pork, game birds, or a classic bistecca alla fiorentina. It also pairs beautifully with wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused dishes, aged Pecorino, and other firm, mature cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression of aroma and texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to soften the tannins and fully unfurl the wine’s dark fruit, spice, and floral complexity.

Producer
Eredi Fuligni is one of the benchmark producers of Montalcino, consistently recognized by leading critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling for the precision and elegance of its Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino. The estate’s roots in the area stretch back generations, and its vineyards occupy some of the appellation’s most privileged sites, where the combination of altitude, soils, and meticulous viticulture yields wines of depth and longevity. With Joanni, first released in 2015 and produced only in exceptional vintages, Fuligni has expanded its range beyond Sangiovese to explore the potential of Merlot on Montalcino’s hills, crafting a limited-production Super Tuscan that has quickly become a sought-after reference for high-class Tuscan Merlot.

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