Montalcino

History

The hill upon which Montalcino sits has been settled since Etruscan times and is first documented in 814 AD. Most likely it was associated with the nearby monks from the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. The town takes its name from an oak tree that was known in the terrain and sits very high on hillsides that look down onto the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valleys of Tuscany, dotted with silvery olive orchards, vineyards, fields and villages. The lower slopes of the Montalcino hill itself are dominated by highly productive Brunello di Montalcino producing vines and olive orchards.

During medieval times the city was known for its tanneries and for the shoes and other leather goods that were made from the high quality leathers that were produced there. Montalcino sits in the middle of one of Italy's most important grape-growing areas. The famed Brunello vines for which the region is famous produce the grapes which are used for the production of a number of DOC vintages and a couple of DOCG, Super Tuscan wines.

Description

This quiet town known mostly for its robust wines also houses many charming stores, cafes, gardens and historical sites to explore. A slow way of life gives you a look into the cities past as its residents have not changed their relaxed ways of life. Despite the small size of the village, most shops carry goods with direct appeal to tourists: exquisite linens and fabrics, lovely hand-woven jackets and shawls, ceramics, crystal, leather goods, clothing, kitchen goods and, of course, wine.

The best way to enjoy Montalcino is slowly and through the adorable trattorias and down to the bottom of your glass of Brunello.

Sights to See

Abbey of Sant'Antimo
Definitely on the short list of great sights in Italy. Tradition has it that the founding of the abbey is attributed to Charles the Great, though first documentation dates from 813. During the 11th century, the abbey was one of the sights on the great European pilgrimage itineraries and was once the most powerful monastic foundations in all Tuscany. Sant'Antimo is currently an active Monastery that invites visitors to mass. With good timing, you can visit with the sound of Gregorian chant filling the abbey.

Fortezza
Montalcino's 14th century fortress sits at the top of the hill, watching over the town. It was used originally to help defend the land in conjunction with Siena, and 600 Sienese took refuge here when their city was under attack in the 16th century. These days it is a tourist attraction and home to an excellent enoteca (wine bar), which has a large selection of wines and olive oils to taste and purchase. Enjoy the Fortezza's relaxing courtyard and taste a selection of the regions premiere wine, Brunello. You can climb up to the castle walkways and towers where you can enjoy the gorgeous views across the town and surrounding valley.

La Sagra del Tordo
An important festival held every year on the last weekend of October celebrating medieval skills such as archery, cuisine and the ripe harvest of the region.

Restaurants

Our Recommendations

• Bar alle Logge
• Osteria al Giardino
• Les Barriques
• Trattoria L' Angolo

Where to Stay

• Properties in Siena

What to Do

Let us guide you through Tuscany's finest wine region on our Montalcino Wine Tour.