OUR HISTORY: A JOURNEY TO THE MEDIEVAL ORIGINS OF USIGLIAN DEL VESCOVO

THE ORIGINS OF USIGLIAN DEL VESCOVO: A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF THE MIDDLE AGES

The origins of Tenuta Usiglian del Vescovo date back to the heart of the Middle Ages.

The first recorded mention of the estate dates to 1078, when Matilda of Canossa donated the territory of Usigliano di Palaia to the Bishops of Lucca. From that moment on, the land became known as “Usiglian del Vescovo” (Usiglian of the Bishop).

The estate’s winemaking tradition began in 1083, when the Bishop of Lucca ordered the planting of vines within the feudal court of Usigliano to ensure a sufficient supply of grapes for celebrating mass.

Throughout the centuries, Usiglian del Vescovo played a role in key historical events, shifting from the influence of the Republic of Pisa to that of Florence.

From 1509, under Florentine rule, a period of cultural and commercial revival began, lasting for three centuries thanks to political stability. During this time, the estate was transformed into an elegant villa-farm, equipped with facilities for the preservation and processing of agricultural products, embodying a lifestyle devoted to the pleasures and beauty of the countryside.

Today, the winery operates with modern techniques while preserving its historic medieval barrel cellar and reception hall.

But there’s more—one of the estate’s hidden gems is an ancient underground tunnel, once used as an escape route during sieges, which connects the cellars to the neighboring valley.

To honor the medieval origins of Usiglian del Vescovo, we have dedicated our MilleEsettantotto to this rich history—a wine with a unique character, crafted through gentle pressing of whole Chardonnay and Viognier grapes, then aged in barriques and cocciopesto amphorae.