Monica Larner writes: "I have always admired the work underway at Fuligni. Maria Fuligni and nephew Roberto Guerrini Fuligni deliver consistent results throughout the good years (2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007) as well as the more challenging ones (2003, 2005 and 2008). The secret to this success, in my view, is twofold. First and foremost is the family’s intimate knowledge of their vineyards. There are four sites (Vigna S. Giovanni, Vigna del Ginestreto, Vigna della Bandita and Vigna del Piano) that comprehensively offer a plethora of soil types, exposures, vine ages and altitudes. Each parcel is vinified separately thus awarding enormous winemaking freedom and flexibility. Of course there is also a built-in safety valve in how the grapes are processed. Depending on quality, fruit is destined to Rosso, base Brunello and Riserva accordingly. For example, no Riserva was made in 2008 and the better fruit ended up in the base Brunello. The second secret to Fuligni’s success is courage. The family has shown brass knuckles required to make those difficult decisions."