Montalcino

Montalcino is a precious gem in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia. It consists of a fairytale hilltop town lying in a very good position, set within a full circle of fortified walls, with a splendid climate and breathtaking views all over the valleys. It is famous for Brunello di Montalcino, a great red wine, in which Brunello refers to the grape variety sangiovese. These wines are of superior quality and limited production. Intense, concentrated and tannic, they tend to require long aging. They come onto the market five years after the harvest. The climate and nature of the soil also favors the cultivation of olive groves, producing an excellent olive oil with a refined taste. Mushrooms, truffles, pecorino cheese, salami and honey crown the gastronomic offer of Montalcino. Montalcino is not just wine, it is also very rich in artistic treasures. The historical center is dominated by the mighty and imposing Rocca or fortress built in 1361 to mark the passage of Montalcino under the domination of Siena. The views from its ramparts are spectacular, stretching towards Monte Amiata, across the Crete to Siena, and across all of the Valdorcia and the hills of Maremma. The streets of Montalcino with their stone pavements are truly enchanting and the village is a wonderful place to stroll around among the labyrinth of charming arts and crafts shops, cafes, restaurants and wine bars.