How can a small hill town of five thousand people become internationally popular in sixty years ? Because it is home of one of the most famous wines world over: Brunello di Montalcino.
Montalcino is a town nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Natural Park of Val D’Orcia, in Tuscany. Within the mighty walls surrounding it, which have retained their medieval appearance, we find the town§s most emblematic monuments, above all the town Fortress. Built at the beginning of the second half of the fourteenth century, to mark the transition of the city under the domain of Siena, this perfectly kept, mighty fortress has now become the scene of many events, such as the July Wine & Jazz Festival, hosting great Italian and international jazz musicians, and superb site for sipping excellent wine.
In addition to breathtaking views, the city offers views of many medieval buildings like Palazzo dei Priori, built entirely of stone and decorated with coats of arms, with its characteristic tall narrow tower. The building overlooks Piazza del Popolo and its Gothic Loggia, one of the main attractions of Montalcino. In the old town it is also worth visiting the churches of Sant’Agostino and Sant’Egidio (XIV century) and the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art which houses paintings and sculptures from the 14th to 20th centuries.
Rich in art and culture, Montalcino’s fame is also undoubtedly linked to its wine. In 1888 Ferruccio Biondi Santi decided to stop using traditional Chianti vineyards recipes, such as Canaiolo and Colorino, and use only the Sangiovese variety, giving birth to Montalcino’s most important formula ever: the Brunello.
