Tenuta di Lilliano
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A historic Castellina in Chianti estate with medieval roots, producing Sangiovese-led Chianti Classico across 40 vineyard hectares since 1958.
Tenuta di Lilliano is a 460-hectare estate in Castellina in Chianti producing Chianti Classico DOCG from 40 hectares of vines. Commercial winemaking began in 1958 under Princess Eleonora Ruspoli Berlingieri, with consulting from legendary enologist Giulio Gambelli. Brothers Giulio and Pietro Ruspoli now manage the property.
- Located in Castellina in Chianti, province of Siena, within the Chianti Classico DOCG
- Total estate: 460 hectares, with 40 hectares under vine at 280-330 meters elevation
- Soils dominated by Alberese marly limestone rich in heavy stone
- Three distinct vineyard blocks: Le Piagge, Casina Sopra Strada, and Vigna Catena
- First vintage bottled in 1958; Anagallis Super Tuscan first produced in 1985
- Annual production of approximately 1,500-1,800 hectoliters
- Two cellars: an aging cellar beneath the 19th-century villa and a production cellar built in 1978
History and Ownership
Tenuta di Lilliano has medieval origins as an ecclesiastical holding. Baron Berlingieri acquired the property in 1920, and commercial winemaking began in 1958 under Princess Eleonora Ruspoli Berlingieri, who brought in renowned consulting enologist Giulio Gambelli. The estate is currently owned and managed by brothers Giulio Ruspoli, active since 1989, and Pietro Ruspoli.
- Medieval origins as a church-held property
- Acquired by Baron Berlingieri in 1920
- Commercial winemaking launched in 1958 with Giulio Gambelli as consultant
- Giulio and Pietro Ruspoli are the current owners and managers
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate's 40 hectares of vineyards sit between 280 and 330 meters elevation in Castellina in Chianti. Soils are predominantly Alberese marly limestone, rich in heavy stone, a classic Chianti Classico soil type that delivers structure and mineral precision to the wines. The microclimate is balanced, with relatively high summer temperatures and sufficient rainfall.
- Le Piagge: south-facing Sangiovese block at approximately 300 meters
- Casina Sopra Strada: east-southeast facing block planted to Sangiovese and Colorino
- Vigna Catena: south-southwest facing block dedicated to Merlot
- Alberese limestone soils are characteristic of the Castellina in Chianti zone
Wines and Production
Tenuta di Lilliano produces Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Sangiovese alongside varieties including Colorino, Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The estate also produces Anagallis, a Super Tuscan first made in 1985, and a rosé. Winemaking employs temperature-controlled fermentation, with aging in French oak barrels, tonneaux, and barriques.
- Full Chianti Classico range: standard, Riserva, and Gran Selezione
- Anagallis Super Tuscan first produced in 1985
- French oak barrels, tonneaux, and barriques used for aging
- Annual production of 1,500-1,800 hectoliters
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Open in the app →Cellar and Infrastructure
The estate operates two cellars. The aging cellar was built beneath the 19th-century villa and provides stable conditions for barrel maturation. A separate production and storage cellar was constructed in 1978 to handle fermentation and bulk storage. Temperature-controlled fermentation is standard practice across all wines.
- Aging cellar located beneath the historic 19th-century villa
- Production and storage cellar built in 1978
- Temperature-controlled fermentation used throughout
- French oak in multiple formats: barrels, tonneaux, and barriques
Chianti Classico from Lilliano reflects the Alberese limestone soils of Castellina in Chianti: Sangiovese-driven wines with firm structure, sour cherry and dried herb character, and mineral tension. The Gran Selezione tier shows greater depth and oak integration from extended aging in French barrels and tonneaux.
- Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico$20-30The estate's entry-level Chianti Classico showcases Sangiovese on Alberese limestone from Castellina in Chianti.Find →
- Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico Riserva$30-45
- Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione$55-75The top tier from Lilliano, offering the greatest depth and structure from the estate's best Sangiovese parcels.Find →
- Tenuta di Lilliano Anagallis$50-70A Super Tuscan first made in 1985, blending international varieties grown on the Lilliano estate.Find →
- Classified as a Chianti Classico DOCG producer; the full range spans standard, Riserva, and Gran Selezione tiers
- Vineyards sit at 280-330 meters on Alberese marly limestone soils in Castellina in Chianti, province of Siena
- Commercial winemaking began with the 1958 vintage; Giulio Gambelli served as consulting enologist
- Anagallis Super Tuscan was first produced in 1985, predating many comparable Tuscan blends
- Three vineyard blocks with distinct aspects: Le Piagge (south), Casina Sopra Strada (east-southeast), Vigna Catena (south-southwest)