Wine Route of the Pisan Hills

The Wine Route of the Pisan Hills is a trail that winds around the hills of the Valdera and lower Valdera in the territories of San Miniato, Montopoli in Val d'Arno, Palaia, Peccioli, Lajatico, Chianni, Terricciola, Lari, Fauglia, Lorenzana, Crespina, Casciana Terme, Ponsacco and Pontedera.

The route makes its way across an extensive, ancient territory where a remarkable natural setting and the work of man have combined to provide the best features of the Tuscan land; a landscape with the ability to amaze through its variety, colours and most prized jewels: the wine and the oil.

There is a range of environments so diverse and so varied that no visitor will leave unfulfilled: the harsh, wild, unpolluted landscape of the Alta Valdera around the distinctive hamlet of Palaia; the rolling hills in the San Miniato area farmed with vineyards and olive groves with a view to the heart of Tuscany, the hills of Terricciola blanketed in vineyards; the wonderful view from the hills of Peccioli of the vast far-reaching countryside; the expanse of corn alternating with vineyards and olive groves between Lajatico and Terricciola; the views from the hamlets of Lari, Crespina and Fauglia of tumbling hills fading off towards the plains; the blossoming peaches and cherries that are part of the area surrounding Lari.

Visitors travelling by car or by bicycle along the winding, panoramic roads come across towns and villages awash with history and culture, romantic hamlets and impressive farmhouses, to discover the wine producers and shops, local produce and high quality food shops.

Over the centuries this has all become a true cultural heritage. Deciding to follow the routes centred on the cellars of the Pisan Hills involves a great deal more than merely finding a wine or product. Each cellar tells the story of families that have clung to their traditions with tenacity and determination to continue producing Chianti, a DOCG wine (of protected and guaranteed designation of origin) that is now famous throughout the world.

Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC is another wine that is produced, in both red and white, in this predominantly Chianti region: the Sangiovese varietal is chiefly used in the red wine, while the Trebbiano is mostly used in the white.

Another traditional designation, best enjoyed cool and young, is Bianco Pisano di San Torpè DOC that is Trebbaino Toscano based and, to a lesser degree, based on other white varietal such as the Vermentino and Chardonnay.

The Vin Santo version is not to be forgotten, having enjoyed an excellent response on the market, with its intense, long-lasting aroma of dry or candied fruits, honey and spices.

The IGT (Indication of Geographical Typicity) wines encompass such a large variety of types throughout the territory that the bond they reflect with the land depends on the particular choices made by the company. More often than not they fall into the category of wine called Supertuscans which, thanks to an accurate selection of varietal, careful vinification and ageing in small (barriques) or large (tonneaux) barrels have great structure and longevity.

Anyone in search of a relaxing spell away or a break far from the city, a fulfilling holiday in the setting of the Pisan Hills has something to suit any frame of mind: from the scent of grapes wafting off the vineyard-covered hills to the blossoming fruit orchards and the relaxing countryside.