Montalcino, roccaforte della Val d’Orcia: Brunello e molto altro

Discovering the Tuscan village of Montalcino and its Brunello, with some unmissable tips for purchasing the famous Tuscan wine.

Montalcino, an ancient medieval village on the western edge of the Val d'Orcia

Swe are at the western edge of the Val d'Orcia, near the Mount Amiata, not far from the border with the province of Grosseto. Here, on top of a hill, is theancient medieval village of Montalcino. Curiously, despite the 5000 inhabitantsMontalcino is the largest municipality in the province of Siena. It is largely made up of hamlets, small inhabited centers and villages, some are practically uninhabited, but they retain historical testimonies so precious, like ancient parish churches or castles, that in several cases they have even been entirely converted into scattered hotels or guest houses.

The fortress of authentic architectural perfection

The village, which remained almost intact since the 16th century, is surrounded by a mighty city walls and is dominated by aancient fortress of authentic architectural perfectionBuilt in 1361 on the highest point of the city to protect it from continuous invasions, it has a pentagonal structure and incorporates a number of buildings that already existed previously, including a'ancient basilica became the chapel of the Romitorio toll booth, already existing in Roman era. Once above you also have the possibility to walk along the ramparts and to admire splendid views, both of Montalcino same as the surrounding countryside.

The fortress, an ideal setting for festivals, events, and concerts, every year in July, also hosts the famous Jazz & Wine Festival, where the pleasure of listening to jazz music, both Italian and international, is perfectly combined with that of good drinking.

What to see in Montalcino

The Palace of the Priors

In the heart of the historic village of Montalcino, in the splendid setting of the central Piazza del Popolo, stands out the Palace of the Priors, dating back to the late 13th centuryOn its facades you can still admire the coats of arms of the podestà who governed Montalcino over the centuries, while just behind stands the medieval tower, with its battlements and thebuilt-in clock.

For further information: A journey through Tuscany's Val d'Orcia villages

The Cathedral of Montalcino

Officially called the Co-Cathedral of the Holy Savior, the Montalcino Cathedral dates back to the nineteenth century and was built in neoclassical style according to the project of thearchitect Agostino Fantastici. Located in the historic center, in the square of the same name, the Montalcino cathedral also features a bell tower, older than the current church; inside, however, you can admire the neoclassical style, with three naves of which the central one shows a splendid coffered barrel vault.

The pipe organ of the Montalcino cathedral dates back to 1858, while among the works preserved inside it stands outImmaculate Conception with Jesus and God the Father, by Francesco Vanni, dating back to 1588.

Duomo di Montalcino - Concattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore

The united museums of Montalcino

It is a complex made up of two museums: The civic museum and the diocesan museum of sacred artThey contain more than 200 works of art, among which the most notable is the Crucifix of Sant'Antimo, a 12th century tempera painting on wood, from theAbbey of Sant'Antimo. Very beautiful too Madonna by Simone Martini, the Coronation of the Virgin by Bartolo di Fredi, and one Majesty of Vecchietta, to represent the Renaissance.

In addition to paintings, the museum also displays a series of sculptures, majolica, sacred vestments, gold and illuminated manuscriptsThere is also an area dedicated to the twentieth century, with works by the Montalcino painter Arturo Luciani. Finally, there is a section dedicated to archaeology, with finds dating back to the Bronze Age, and to the Etruscan and Roman civilizations.

Brunello di Montalcino: a great wine that ages for 5 years

The Brunello di Montalcino It was among the first Italian typologies to obtain the DOC and the first, in 1980, to obtain the DOCGThe name is due to the color particularly dark color of the grapes of this Sangiovese variety, the Sangiovese Grosso, while its peculiar feature it is the long maturation before marketing: refinement of at least two years in oak containers, and at least four months in bottle. Furthermore, it cannot be released for consumption before 1 January of the year following the end of five years, including the harvest year.

For further information: Brunello vs. Rosso di Montalcino: Who will win? The answer is no longer obvious.

But what could be the 10 best Brunellos in 2023? TuscanyPeople recommends

Montosoli – Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Altesino

The historian Montalcino's first cru, born in 1972, fascinates once again with its undisputed stylistic imprint oriented towards elegance.

Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri 2018 – Casanova di Neri

Giovanni Neri was born to celebrate the founder of the company fifty years since the purchase of the first vineyard. 2018 is a beautiful synthesis of territoriality and evolution. Fully entitled among the best Brunello di Montalcino for the explosive persistence on the palate and for the elegant notes of well-defined red fruits.

Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Poggio di Sotto

Poggio di Sotto is one of the companies that represents a management and quality model for the entire denomination. The 2018 Brunello has great structure and power, and is among the best for opulence and richness on the palate.

Vino rosso versato dalla bottiglia in un bicchiere

'Lucére' Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – San Filippo

A powerful but refined cru wine, glory of fruit and a finish of great length. For us among the best Brunello di Montalcino thanks to the extraordinary persistence and to the penetrating olfactory intensity.

Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Il Marroneto

One of the historic local companies, Marroneto derives its name from the ancient chestnut drying room on which it stands, and for years has produced with passion and dedication one of the best Brunello everThe 2018 vintage is unmissable for its impeccable interpretation of what a Brunello should be like.

Marrucheto Vineyard 2018 – Banfi

The company needs no introduction. This cru wine is full-bodied, with... sophisticated perfumes, with a nice clean finish on the palate. Among the best Brunello for balance and versatility, both on the nose and on the palate.

Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Mastrojanni

This Brunello, born from the vision of Maurizio Castelli, a world-famous winemaker, reveals great body and a full, well-defined tannin that identifies with the territory. Among the best Brunellos of this year for those who love aclassic, powerful, uncompromising interpretation.

Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Aviary

Andrea Cortonesi enhances each vine with agronomic practices that respect the peculiarities of the soil and the vintageIn the cellar the grapes are cooled with dry ice to preserve its aromas. 2018 is a complex wine, with a great ability to combine identity and creativity.

Vigna del Lago 2018 – Val di Suga

The Vineyard of the Lake of Val di Suga it is a Brunello with a vertical character of great freshness, expression of the typicality of the Sangiovese of northern side of Montalcino.

Brunello di Montalcino 2018 by Argiano – “Wine of The Year” 2023 for “Wine Spectator”

Last but not least, The Brunello di Argiano, cellar of the Brazilian entrepreneur André Santos Esteves, led by Bernardino Sani, even the #1 wine in the world for 2023 according to the famous magazine “Wine Spectator”. We read and translate from the website of the world “Bible” of wines: “The transition to one traditional style infuses the Brunellos greater purity and energy. Combined with the elegant character of the 2018 vintage, the classic Brunello presents aromas and flavors of roses, strawberry and cherry, along with accents of wild herbs, minerals and cut hay, combined with a lively profile."And here we bow humbly.

Il Brunello di Montalcino 2018 Argiano è Wine of the Year 2023 per il Wine Spectator

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