Wine tastings and more
Author: Michalina Zacharjasiewicz : teachermichalina@gmail.com
If you are a wine lover, one of the places that you cannot miss in Tuscany is Montalcino!
Montalcino has things to offer beside the wine tastings.
A small town located in Val d’Orcia, it is a hilltop town surrounded by vineyards growing Sangiovese grapes, which become eventually Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino wines.
Its fortress and layout are from the medieval times, being located on the Via Francigena, the ancientest pilgrimage route from England to Italy.
This trip will make you feel the Italian life style in its authentic Terroir.
24.000 hectars region, where 3.500 hectars are vineyards that are being recognized by their guaranteed and controlled appellation of origin.
THe region is known for the quality of their grapes and wines, which
includes Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino made from Sangiovese grapes known by its rich fullbodied character.
Montalcino Wines
Brunello was the first wine to be awarded Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status. Brunello di Montalcino must be aged five years before release. Another wine is Rosso di Montalcino (DOC) is made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes and ages one year.
Because of its famous vineyards, many people believe that Brunello is the only denomination of origin from this area, but it is not, there is also a production of Rosso di Montalcino, followed by Sant’Animo and Moscadello di Montalcino.
The region in subdivided in four sub-regions, including the central-south (closer region to Montalcino), north (where famous vineyards like Montosoli and Canalicchio are located), west (including the Villages of Tavernelle and Camigliano) and south-southeast (the subregion with the largest plantations).
MONTALCINO, THINGS TO DO…
WINE TASTING
There is nothing better than wine tasting in Montalcino. You can find DOCG Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino during your visit to the wineries, enotecas and wine shops that offer wine tasting and the possibility to take some bottles with you or even ship them to your home, the prices will vary from place to place and according to the amount of wine you desire and the location you need it to be delivered.
THE FORTRESS WALLS
The Fortress is very close to the city center, located in the highest point in town. It was built in 1361 by the Sienese, its structure, in the shape of a pentagon, was a novelty at the time. When you climb the steps to the top of the tower, you are able to enjoy the beautiful 360° views of the city and the Val d’Orcia. Amazing spot for wine tasting is the Enoteca at la Fortezza, enjoy the sunset!
EXPLORE THE CITY CENTER
The city center is filled with restaurants, boutique shops, and, of course, wine shops where you can enjoy the authentic wines and food. But if you want some quieter options you must go to the side streets where you can feel the atmosphere and discover fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
EAT
If you are a food lover, you can’t miss the chance of enjoying local Terroir , local food goes much further than pasta, dishes like Fettunta(toasted bread with Toscan olive oil, with garlic and rosemary), the selection of bruschette(with green sauces, tomatoes and leaver’s chickens toppings),Tagliere toscano(perfectly sliced chacurterie cheese and honey), Peposo(an eight hours of preparation stew made with meat and Chianti served with polenta in many possibilities: grilled, deep fried of soft), the grilled meats like Fiorentina, La tagliata, you also taste the tartare and carpaccio that are unmissable options for meat lovers.
JOIN OUT OF THE BOX FLORENCE
When you are in Tuscany, the best way to discover how do the Italians live “La
dolce Vitta” is to join them for slow travel tours, this way you will have the opportunity to be conducted by experienced local guides that can show you much more than famous things, they will guide you through a real journey on food, wines, culture, landscapes, nature, Medieval Villages and sites
of cultural and historical interests.
https://www.outoftheboxflorence.com is a small organization that promotes Experiences specially designed to fully understand the places you visit.
We employ local, knowledgeable guides, when you support our guides and
company, you are supporting our wider community and the idea of sustainable tourism that highlights unique environments, off the beaten path.
We act local, think global to change the present!
Contact us if you want to travel slow and discover more!
Come and join us to experience it!
