18 Sep 2025
There is a kind of magic that settles over the Tuscan hills as the sun ripens to gold, casting long shadows among endless rows of vines. In this landscape, the stories of wine are woven through centuries, yet they find new expression in every glass poured.
This edition of Wine Times explores a remarkable producer -Vignano Vineyard and Fratelli Fanucci – whose wines evoke the timeless charm and vibrant innovation of Tuscany.
With the celebration of International Chianti Day still resonating, we toast the traditions and taste the future with two very different, but equally compelling, bottles: Del L’Unico Vignano Chianti 2019 and Primavolta Vignano Toscana Bianco 2022.
Nestled among olive groves and cypress trees, Vignano Vineyard stands as a quintessential expression of Tuscan tradition – its story woven with the enduring care and vision of the Funacci brothers.
Since its founding in the early 20th century, the estate has remained a family-owned sanctuary, weathering the storms of history with an unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. Today, the Fanucci brothers, whose partnership is marked by both deep respect for their roots and a spirit of bold innovation, steward the land with a gentle, knowing hand.
Guided by the philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar and organic practices in the vineyard, Fanucci cultivate Sangiovese, Malvasia, and Trebbiano grapes, upholding the same reverence for the soil that inspired generations before them.
Their approach is not merely agricultural—it is a form of stewardship, where every bottle tells the quiet story of Tuscan hills and ancient sun. The flagship Chianti, Del L’Unico Vignano, is both a declaration of heritage and a testament to contemporary finesse, embodying the brothers’ belief that wine should whisper the secrets of its birthplace.
Yet, Vignano Vineyard is no static monument to tradition. The Funacci brothers have infused fresh vitality into the estate, introducing new varietals, experimenting with fermentation techniques, and reimagining labels – all while honouring the legacy they inherited. This synthesis of old and new finds its fullest expression in their
collaborative spirit, as they frequently partner with neighbouring estates for joint bottlings and shared vineyard plots. Through these efforts, the Funacci brothers have transformed Vignano into a living nexus where Tuscany’s past and future meet, and where the shared table is always welcoming.
At Vignano Vineyard, tradition and innovation are not opposing forces – they are the twin pillars of a family vision. In the hands of the Funacci brothers, the estate remains evergreen, its wines an invitation to discover the true soul of Tuscany: a land cherished, a legacy renewed, and a story always unfolding in each glass.
Del L’Unico Vignano Chianti 2019 (£19.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
With International Chianti Day marking the calendar on the first Friday in September, it was only fitting to open a bottle of Del L’Unico Vignano Chianti 2019. The wine, poured into glasses as the evening light faded, quickly became the centrepiece of convivial celebration.
Its clarity hints at the meticulous attention paid in both vineyard and cellar. The nose is a vibrant interplay of red cherries, wild strawberries, and hints of violet – a classic Chianti bouquet, but with an undercurrent of dried herbs and subtle spice. Swirling the glass releases notes of leather and a delicate touch of cedar, the result of brief aging in seasoned oak.
It opens with a burst of red fruit – morello cherry and raspberry – carried on a lively acidity that speaks to the Sangiovese grape’s natural exuberance. The tannins are fine but persistent, lending structure without overwhelming the fruit.
Shared among friends and family on International Chianti Day, Del L’Unico was a triumph alongside the traditional fare or wild boar ragù but equally at home with a weeknight pizza or a Sunday roast.
Primavolta Vignano Toscana Bianco 2022 £24.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
After the richness of Chianti, the Primavolta Vignano Toscana Bianco 2022 offers a refreshing detour – proof that Tuscany’s white wines are coming into their own, thanks in no small part to producers like Fratelli Fanucci.
The bouquet is immediately enticing white peach, acacia blossom, and a hint of green apple, underscored by a subtle minerality that calls to mind cool river stones.
There’s a gentle waft of wild herbs – sage and marjoram – suggesting a vibrancy that carries through to the palate. Zesty and vivacious, Primavolta dances on the tongue with citrus – lemon peel and grapefruit – balanced by a delicate creaminess from lees aging. The palate is layered, with stone fruit giving way to a saline edge, the result perhaps of maritime breezes that wash the Vignano vineyards. The finish is brisk and clean, leaving a lingering hint of almond and white pepper.
This is the bottle to chill for an impromptu lunch of grilled prawns, calamari fritti – or with a simple salad of fennel and orange. But it’s also a wine that rewards contemplation, its many facets revealing themselves with each sip.
To taste these wines side by side is to experience Tuscany in stereo: the deep,
resonant chords of Del L’Unico Vignano Chianti 2019, and the bright, soaring notes of Primavolta Vignano Toscana Bianco 2022. Each wine tells a different story, but both are shaped by the same landscape, the same winds, the same relentless sun.
