Manuel Pulcini

Manuel Pulcini is a young, artisanal natural wine producer in the Tuscany region of Italy. He is known for his dedication to reviving abandoned vineyards and making wine with a strong sense of place and minimal intervention.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is located in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. Manuel's project, however, is a "Land Recovery" initiative, where he has painstakingly given new life to abandoned vineyard parcels, primarily around the village of San Macario a Monte.

  • The Founder: Manuel Pulcini, a Roman by birth, pursued a degree in enology in Pisa. After working in several prestigious Tuscan wineries, he became disillusioned with conventional winemaking. He was drawn to the principles of biodynamic farming and natural fermentation and decided to start his own project in 2016 by renting and restoring abandoned vineyards. He is affectionately known by the locals as the "amico dei nonni" (friend of the grandpas), a nod to his respect for the region's elders and their traditional knowledge.

Winemaking Philosophy

Manuel's philosophy is rooted in a back-to-basics, no-frills approach that honors ancient traditions.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically. He avoids the use of chemical and synthetic products, relying on the natural vitality of the soil and the local ecosystem.

  • Indigenous Grapes: He works with a blend of indigenous and well-adapted international grapes found in these old, abandoned parcels, including Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Vermentino.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, his approach is to be as non-interventionist as possible.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts.

    • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character and texture.

    • Minimal Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum, and some wines are made with no added sulfites.

  • Varied Aging: He uses a mix of old oak barrels and stainless steel tanks for aging, carefully choosing the vessel that best allows each wine to express its unique character without being overshadowed.

Notable Wines

Manuel Pulcini produces a small portfolio of wines that are celebrated for their honesty, complexity, and approachability.

  • Vizioramingo: A red wine, primarily Sangiovese, blended with other red varieties from his recovered parcels. The name, which means "Vagabond Vice," reflects Manuel's journey to find and make this wine. It's known for its balance, velvety texture, and notes of black cherry and dark plum.

  • Marròca: A white wine, often a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia. The name comes from a local mythological figure. It's known for its distinctive character, with a bewitching oxidative quality, expressive minerality, and notes of nectarine and citrus.

  • Pista Mutta: A rosé wine made from a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It is known for its fresh, vibrant, and fruity character.