The Malenchini Wine Estate, with headquarters and family roots in the Villa Medicea di Lilliano, 10 km from the center of Florence, represents a vivid example of what outside our borders it is practically impossible to find: an organic farm that produces Chianti wines and fine extra virgin olive oil, a breathtaking glimpse into the Tuscan hills, a residential offer of refined hospitality, at a glance from the artistic beauties that have made our country the main tourist destination in the world.

Enologically, Malenchini represents one of the main interpreters of the Chianti Colli Fiorentini Denomination, 150,000 bottles produced, with labels ranging from excellent expressions of Sangiovese di terroir, to more recent IGT projects that enhance native varieties such as Canaiolo, or wise combinations with international vineyards, such as for the Supertuscan Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon “Bruzzico”, a dialect term that fixes the time of day before the first light of dawn, when these hills were the scene of intense hunting trips.

We asked Diletta Malenchini, 8th generation to manage the company and the splendid Villa, to tell us about the identity traits of this corner of Tuscany, and to explain us what it means to wear Florence’s great name on the label.

It is an honor for us to be able to represent our territory and the wealth that distinguishes it, not only from a production point of view, for the food and wine excellences known all over the world, but also and above all from a cultural point of view. Not by chance, many wineries in Florence represent a true artistic heritage and preserve priceless stories and traditions.

The firm made the decision to go organic in 2015, when they began the conversion process on a substrate that is already very sensitive to biodiversity.

Diletta, it appears to us that Malenchini’s attention to the territory is inextricably linked to the valorization of the autochthone grape varieties. Can you tell us the philosophy that guides your choices in the vineyard?

In addition to Sangiovese, the “main wine” of the territory, Tuscany boasts a rich heritage of ancient indigenous varieties with interesting identities. We have chosen to value these varieties, first experimenting, then being more and more convinced of the obtained results. In particular, we cultivate Canaiolo and Pugnitello vineyards which, with their typical aromas, are able to express well the potential of our lands and to give life to wines with character.

Since 2016, the Medicea Villa of Lilliano has opened its doors to agritourism hospitality, thanks to the charm of its hills, the beauty of its central courtyard and the charming farm houses that surrounds it. The structure accommodates up to 40 people in perfect Tuscan country chic style, giving its guests tranquility and refinement.

The Villa’s facade is not immediately visible from the street and its beauty opens to the visitor immediately beyond the door, with an intra-temporal dive into what must have been country life at the Medici court.

The company offers visitors and residents a very rich program of experiences, which can all count on the visit of the rooms that have made the history of the place, from the Renaissance Garden that was Medici’s passion, to the terrace from which it is possible to admire Florence Cathedral’s dome, up to the underground path that welcomes the ancient cellars with the 1700’s orciaia.

First of all, the offer includes experiences inside the wine estate, such as the tasting of the wine which is being processed and is aging in the tanks or barrels, or the vertical tasting paths of different vintages of Chianti and Super Tuscan, picnics in the vineyard and kitchen courses in the villa; but it also ranges between different forms of entertainment outside the structure, such as horseback riding in the hills, Vespa tours or mountain bike.

The Villa Medicea di Lilliano is also the perfect setting to organize weddings and other events, private or corporate, especially in the period from May to October, where it is possible to fully enjoy the hospitality of the Renaissance Garden and benefit from the mild Tuscan climate.

But, thanks to the place’s beauty, the facility’s comforts, the staff’s warm hospitality, the pleasure of a good wine and great food, the richness in the wine tourism offer, here in Lilliano, it’s always seasonal.

Regolamento 1308/2013 OCM Vino, misura Promozione vino Paesi terzi – ID Progetto Toscana 19, annualità 2021/2022