Lilliano: Pieve, Winegrowing and Landscape in the Chianti Classico Area

Lilliano can be discovered through its medieval history and the winegrowing tradition of the Tenuta di Lilliano. Between the Pieve di Santa Cristina, historic buildings and the vineyards of the Chianti Classico area, it is a destination for you if you would like to combine culture, landscape and winegrowing. For those interested in culture, the main points of interest are the Pieve, the fortified village and the conflicts between Siena and Florence; wine enthusiasts can focus on the Tenuta di Lilliano, its vineyards and the ageing cellar.

The Pieve di Santa Cristina and Medieval Lilliano

The Pieve di Santa Cristina in Lilliano was first mentioned in a papal bull dated 20 April 1189. The Strada dei Vigneti leads to this church of 11th-century Romanesque origin. In the Middle Ages, the Borgo di Lilliano was a fortified complex that included the church of Santa Cristina. It stands out for its single large nave. During the wars between Siena and Florence, Lilliano experienced sieges and destruction.

Tenuta di Lilliano: The History of the Winery

The Tenuta di Lilliano estate was acquired by Baron Berlingieri in 1920. In 1958, Princess Eleonora Ruspoli Berlingieri began bottling Lilliano's wines. The two years mark two stages: the acquisition of the estate in 1920 and the start of bottling in 1958. The ageing cellar of the Tenuta di Lilliano is located beneath the villa, which is part of Lilliano's historic complex. The ageing cellar is therefore both part of the estate's history and one of the possible venues for a group tasting.

Wine, Soil and Microclimate

The Tenuta di Lilliano is located in the diverse Chianti Classico area and has a moderate, balanced microclimate. This includes relatively warm summers and sufficient, but not excessive, rainfall. The estate's most widespread soil is derived from Alberese and is rich in rock fragments, calcareous and tends to be clayey. The grapes for the Tenuta di Lilliano's Chianti Classico come entirely from the estate's vineyards and are hand-picked during the harvest. Relatively warm summers, sufficient rainfall and Alberese soil therefore all contribute to the landscape of the Tenuta di Lilliano.

Wine Tastings and Paths through the Countryside

For groups, wine tastings can be organised outdoors or in the ageing cellar of the Tenuta di Lilliano. The Strada dei Vigneti connects the scenic route with the Pieve di Santa Cristina in Lilliano. If you would like to explore Lilliano by bicycle, the circular cycling route climbs uphill towards Lilliano and runs along the Laghetto di Vallechiara. The two routes offer different highlights: one leads to the Romanesque church, while the other includes the climb to Lilliano and the lake along the way. For a group tasting, the outdoors and the ageing cellar are available as different venues. The climb is therefore a specific factor to consider when planning a day's cycling tour in Chianti.

You can also discover San Leonino.

For the higher-level travel overview: Castellina In Chianti.