montalcino
A medieval village in the heart of Tuscany, the world capital of Brunello.
Montalcino stands on a hill 564 meters above sea level in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, in the province of Siena. The medieval village, dominated by a 14th-century fortress, is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Tuscany. From up here the view sweeps over a landscape of vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees that has inspired painters and poets for centuries and is now a UNESCO heritage site.
With just over 5,000 inhabitants, Montalcino is a town on a human scale, authentic and far from mass tourism. Its narrow stone streets, quiet squares and historic buildings tell centuries of history. In the center of the main square is the Pierangioli Wine Shop, a landmark for wine lovers from around the world since 1988.
The wines of Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino is the world capital of Brunello, one of the world’s most celebrated and appreciated red wines. Made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes – locally called Brunello – in the territory of the municipality of Montalcino, it is the first Italian red wine to be awarded the DOCG appellation, in 1980. It is characterized by its exceptional longevity: the best vintages can age for decades, developing extraordinary aromatic complexity. The nose gives notes of ripe red fruit, spices, tobacco and underbrush. On the palate it is powerful yet elegant, with firm tannins that soften over time to a perfect balance. The specification calls for a minimum aging of five years, at least two of which must be in barrels. For the Riserva version, aging increases to six years.
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
A younger but no less interesting sibling, Rosso di Montalcino is made from the same grapes and in the same terroir, with a shorter aging period – at least one year. The result is a younger, fresher and more accessible wine that nevertheless retains all the character of the terroir. Perfect to accompany a lunch in a trattoria or to approach the world of Brunello without waiting for years in the cellar.
The area now has more than 250 producers, ranging from big historical names to small family-run wineries. The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, founded in 1967, protects and promotes the appellation throughout the world, ensuring compliance with the regulations and the quality of the product.
The Val d'Orcia and Tuscany
Montalcino is the ideal starting point for exploring one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes. The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, stretches southeast of the town with its undulating landscapes, white roads lined with cypress trees and medieval villages perched on hillsides.
Within a few kilometers are Pienza, Monticchiello, Castiglione d’Orcia, Radicofani, Bagno Vignoni and San Quirico d’Orcia. Further away but within easy reach are Siena with its beautiful Piazza del Campo and the Palio, San Gimignano with its medieval towers, and Volterra with its Etruscan history.
The flavors of Montalcino
and the Val d'Orcia
The territory of Montalcino is not only about wine. It is also one of the most authentic and genuine cuisines in Tuscany.
Pinci are the area’s typical fresh pasta – thick, rustic, handmade spaghetti, perfect with wild boar ragout or Valdorciano aglione. Truffles – black and white – are the star on local tables all year round.
Pecorino cheese from Pienza, fresh or aged and with an unmistakable flavor, pairs perfectly with honey or fig jam
The Tuscan salami, with its strong, spicy flavor, is one of the stars of local tagliere boards, often accompanied by sliced bread and a glass of Rosso di Montalcino.’
Do you want to organize a tailored experience?
Can’t find the tour you’re looking for? Contact us to design a customized itinerary together, combining wine tours, transfers, and wine shop tastings according to your schedule and preferences.