Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 2020: A Century of Excellence

Wine Review

What does a century of winemaking excellence taste like? When Giovanni Maria Fuligni established his Montalcino estate in the early 1900s, could he have imagined the extraordinary legacy he was creating? Today, under the thoughtful stewardship of his daughter Maria Flora, described as “a graduate in philosophy and a true woman of wine”, the estate produces some of the region’s most distinguished wines, including their exceptional 2020 Brunello di Montalcino.

I’ve always been fascinated by how terroir shapes wine character. This remarkable Brunello originates from vineyards on the northeastern slopes of Montalcino, where the unique microclimate creates ideal conditions for Sangiovese Grosso to develop profound depth. The 100-hectare estate features vineyards with varying exposures, allowing for nuanced expression across their portfolio.

The winemaking reflects generations of accumulated wisdom: harvesting begins in late September, followed by careful selection and destemming. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks over approximately 18 days at precisely controlled temperatures (18-20°C), with limited maceration and frequent pumping over to extract optimal character without excessive astringency.

When I tasted the 2020 vintage, I was immediately struck by its ripe yet slender profile: red plums, strawberries, black cherries, and mandarin peel create an aromatic tapestry that continues to unfold in the glass. The palate experience is described perfectly as “graceful and iconic,” with citrus memories and ginger nuances complementing well-extracted tannins and an “excellently relaxing finish” that balances classic austerity with distinctive personality.

Would you age this wine or enjoy it now? With its exceptional structure and integration, it offers pleasure today while promising continued evolution until 2027 and beyond. Either way, this Brunello provides a profound taste of Montalcino’s distinctive terroir through the lens of one of the region’s most historic producers: a true taste of Tuscan excellence.

Sources

• Producer (official site)
• Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino: consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it