Montalcino

MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURAL JEWEL

The town of Montalcino is located Northwest of Mount Amiata, at the end of the Val d'Orcia, in a hilly area that offers beautiful views across the Crete to Siena, Val d'Orcia and the hills of Maremma.

Already inhabited in Etruscan and later Roman, was long disputed between Florence and Siena, to which it submitted in 1260. A century later the Sienese built the fortress, remained intact and open to visitors, as well as the whole village is identical to itself since the 16th century.

With the arrival of the Medici became part of the Duchy of Florence. A radical transformation took place starting from the twentieth century, being the territory of Montalcino in one of the most important areas of cultivation of grapes from which is derived the famous Brunello di Montalcino.

Turning to the country can be seen, in addition to the aforementioned fortress, walls that retain the access doors and towers, the Town Hall (late 1200s) and the neoclassical Cathedral.

 

Traditions

Unmissable with tradition is in Montalcino the usual Sagra del Tordo, on the last Sunday in October. Reenactment of an archery contest among the four districts of the city, reminiscent of the ancient medieval boar hunting. During the show, a historic procession parades through the streets of the village in lavish period costumes, accompanied by dancing and folk music.

 

Typical products

When it comes to Montalcino, one cannot speak of its fine wine, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Exclusively produced with grapes Sangiovese, before being placed on the market requires long periods of aging, at least five years, with an aging period of two years in oak barrels.