Filippo Baldassarre Fanti, owner of the historic Tenuta Fanti and president of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium from 1998 to 2007, has passed away. A businessman deeply connected to his homeland, he guided the growth of the appellation during a decisive phase in its rise to international prominence.
The wine world mourns the passing of Filippo Baldassarre Fanti, a Montalcino winemaker and owner of Tenuta Fanti di Castelnuovo dell’Abate. The news was announced by the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium, which expressed its condolences to his daughters Elisa and Elena and to the entire family
From Sharecropping to Brunello Production
The Fanti family has owned land in the Montalcino area since the early 1800s. It was Filippo, in the early 1970s, who brought about a turning point for the estate, transforming it from a sharecropping operation into a modern wine and olive-growing business.
In 1970, he began planting vineyards for the production of Brunello; ten years later, the first vintage was released. His work has enabled Tenuta Fanti to grow and establish itself on international markets as well. Today, the estate comprises 200 hectares in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, of which 50 are planted with vines and 30 with olive trees, with the winery—built in 2004—situated in a panoramic location facing the Abbey of Sant’Antimo.
In 2007, his daughter Elisa, who holds a degree in agriculture, joined the company full-time and has gradually taken over the reins from her father alongside her sister Elena.
Nine Years at the Helm of the Consortium
From 1998 to 2007, Filippo Fanti served as president of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium. There were important years for the growth and consolidation of the appelation, which was gaining an increasingly strong presence on internation markets.
That season is also remembered for his ability to foster dialogue and collaboration among producers, along with his commitment to protecting the image of Brunello. During his presidency, communication initiatives were launched that involved figures such as Ottavio Missoni and Fernando Botero.
Consortium President Giacomo Bartolommei, along with the entire consortium, has expressed his sympathy to the family. The DoctorWine editorial team joins in this mourning and extends its deepest condolences to Elisa, Elena, and all their family members.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 15, at 3:30 p.m. at the Abbey of Sant’Antimo.
