Sipping Tuscany Through the Pisan Hills at Podere La Chiesa

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 2/07/2025

Sipping Tuscany Through the Pisan Hills at Podere La Chiesa

Tucked away in the rolling Pisan Hills, 30 km southeast of Pisa on the road to Volterra, Podere La Chiesa offers a true expression of Tuscan winemaking. Perched at 125 meters above sea level, this winery is more than a place of production, it embodies a philosophy, a labor of love, and a commitment to the land. Run by Maurizio Iannantuono and Palma Tonacci, Podere La Chiesa specializes in organic wines, with Sangiovese as the cornerstone of their craft.

Visiting last December with friends, I was immediately struck by the winery’s setting, an amphitheater of vineyards seamlessly integrated with striking contemporary architecture. The exposure to all four cardinal points and the cooling Tyrrhenian breeze create an environment where grapes develop complexity and balance. More than a tasting, our visit felt like a deep dive into the region’s winemaking heritage. Palma and Maurizio have shaped an experience where every bottle tells a story of dedication and place.

The Visionaries: Maurizio and Palma

Podere La Chiesa is the brainchild of Palma Tonacci and Maurizio Iannantuono, a couple who left behind their previous careers to chase their dream of winemaking. Palma, originally from Montignoso, grew up immersed in family discussions about wine, sparking a lifelong passion for viticulture. Maurizio, hailing from Molise, discovered his love for Tuscany when he moved to Pisa for his studies. His deep appreciation for art and jazz is reflected in the winery’s cultural initiatives, where music and creativity intertwine with winemaking.

Maurizio Iannantuono and Palma Tonacci

Their transformation into winemakers was driven by a relentless curiosity and a love for the craft. Years of vineyard visits and insightful exchanges with seasoned producers deepened their expertise. In the early 2000s, they took the bold step of establishing Podere La Chiesa in Terricciola, convinced that its land held the potential to produce exceptional wines.

The Land and Winemaking Philosophy

Stretching from Pontedera to Volterra, the Pisan Hills remain an unspoiled landscape, shaped over millennia by both nature and human hands. Terricciola’s soil, composed of limestone sediments, peat, sand, and clay, lends minerality and structure to the wines, while the Tyrrhenian Sea’s gentle breezes moderate the climate, ensuring optimal ripening conditions. This delicate balance of elements allows the grapes to develop rich complexity and depth, reflecting the unique identity of the land.

Maurizio and Palma have dedicated themselves to organic viticulture, respecting the land’s natural cycles and fostering sustainability in every stage of production. Their vineyards, predominantly Sangiovese, are complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Trebbiano, and Vermentino, each thriving in this distinctive terroir. Every grape is hand-harvested, ensuring only the finest fruit makes its way into the winery.

At Podere La Chiesa, vinification is a meticulous craft, blending tradition with innovation. The winery itself, a modern yet sustainable architectural gem, is seamlessly integrated into the natural amphitheater of vineyards, designed to optimize fermentation and aging conditions. Precision and care define each stage of the process, preserving the authentic character of each varietal while allowing the wines to express the land’s full potential.

Adding to its cultural richness, Terricciola has long been a center of Tuscan winemaking tradition. Home to the Grape and Wine Festival, Pisa’s oldest annual wine celebration, the town embodies the enduring connection between the region’s past and its present. For over 50 years, this festival has highlighted the dedication of local producers, celebrating the fruits of their labor with visitors from around the world.

The Wine Tasting

A tasting at Podere La Chiesa highlights the diversity of Sangiovese, from the crispness of rosé to the depth of aged reds, alongside Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Canaiolo. Guests gain insight into vinification and terroir while enjoying wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and homemade traditional dishes. Guided by Palma and Maurizio, the experience provides a deeper appreciation for their organic winemaking philosophy.

L'Altro Punto di Vista IGT Rosato 2023
A crisp organic rosé, L'Altro Punto di Vista IGT Rosato is made from 100% Sangiovese. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature for 20 days, it refines for four months in steel and one month in bottle. With delicate floral aromas, cherry, and white peach, it is fresh, savory, and mineral-driven, best served at 12°C and pairs well with light dishes, cured meats, cheeses, and fish.

Le Redole di Casanova Terre di Pisa Rosso IGT 2023
Le Redole di Casanova is a balanced, everyday Tuscan red, blending 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo. Fermented in stainless steel under 28°C with natural yeast, it macerates for 15 days on the skins before aging 8 months in steel and 4 months in bottle. Light ruby red in color, it offers an elegant violet bouquet with a soft, pleasant taste. Versatile and refreshing, it pairs well with pasta, salami, cheeses, and all kinds of meat.

Terre di Casanova Chianti DOCG 2023
Terre di Casanova is a pure Sangiovese Chianti, grown on clay and limestone-rich soils with southeast exposure. Fermented in stainless steel under 28°C with natural yeast, it spends 12–15 days on the skins, followed by 4 months in steel and 2 months in bottle. Light ruby red in color, it boasts an elegant bouquet of violet and cherry with a tannic, structured palate and great personality. Enjoyable young or aged, it pairs perfectly with white and red meats, pasta, and cheeses.

Sabiniano di Casanova Terre di Pisa Rosso DOC 2021
Sabiniano di Casanova is a full-bodied, elegant red, crafted from 60% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Merlot, grown in clay-rich soils with fossil deposits. Fermented in stainless steel under 28°C with natural yeast, it macerates for 12–15 days on the skins, followed by 12 months in French oak tonneau and 18 months in bottle. Intense ruby red in color, it presents a well-balanced bouquet of wild berries and a persistent, refined palate. Ideal with grilled meats, game, and mature cheeses.

Opera in Rosso Terre di Pisa Sangiovese DOC 2020
Opera in Rosso is a refined, full-flavored Sangiovese, grown in fossil-rich clay soils of a 20-year-old vineyard in Casanova. Aged for 24 months in 500L French oak tonneau and 18 months in bottle, it develops rounded tannins and an elegant structure, representing the Colline Pisane region. Intense ruby red in color, it offers a balanced bouquet with floral notes and a full, persistent palate. Best enjoyed with roasted meats and hard cheeses.

Opera in Nero Toscana Merlot IGT 2020
Opera in Nero is a bold yet refined Merlot, grown on clayey, windswept slopes that unexpectedly yield exceptional grapes. Aged for 18 months in French oak tonneau and 18 months in bottle, it balances opulence with freshness and drinkability. Intense dark red in color, it boasts a balsamic and spicy bouquet with black cherry notes, leading to a powerful, round, and persistent palate. Perfect with grilled and lightly spiced red meats.

CF Toscana Cabernet Franc IGT 2020
The 2020 vintage marks the second release of Cabernet Franc CF, a limited-production wine (1,500 bottles) crafted with precision from vineyard to bottle. Fermented in stainless steel at temperatures below 28°C with natural yeasts and macerated for 12–15 days on the skins, it matures for 12 months in French oak tonneau followed by 12 months in bottle. Brilliant ruby red in color, it reveals a balanced bouquet of spice and black fruits, leading to an elegant, round, and persistent palate. Best enjoyed at 16–18°C with grilled red meats.