Adventures in Montalcino

The next day we devoted to wine by driving to Montalcino, source of amazing Brunello wines. Brunello is made from 100% sangiovese but must be grown in the DOCG around Montalcino to bear the name. Most are aged for five to six years before release and the best examples will improve for decades after. Our favorite Brunellos (we sampled about a dozen) showed off deep, concentrated dark fruit aromas and a lighter touch of oak. These wines have high acidity and for me, I did have some difficulty anticipating how the flavors and aromas would develop over a number of years. We chose a few to bring home including an already lovely Riserva from Caparzo (you may have seen some of their wines at the shop) and a bottle from Tenuta Il Poggione that we will be holding onto for a decade or so. Another great option from the area are the Rosso di Montalcinos which have not been aged as long but are from the same vineyards and can exhibit some of the characteristics of the Brunellos. The town of Montalcino itself was, as we have begun to expect, just beautiful and showed off the most amazing views across the countryside around practically every corner. Wine is the order of the day here, with a wine shop in sight from practically every vantage point, even within the medieval fortress at the top of the hill.

I got some souvenir shopping in the next morning in our neighboring town of San Gimignano. We had only seen it at night when we first visited, on this Sunday morning the streets were bustling and a marching band was putting on a show. We found a very small open air market where we were able to taste the local truffles (and meet the truffle hunter!) and sample local cheese from a very entertaining vendor. Of course, we couldn’t understand a word, but it’s all in the energy anyhow.



Comments

[Pietro]

Hey guys, my daughter in law sent me the link to your site. She and my son ( and grandson) like your shop very much and I will surely stop by when I visit them next time.
I see that you were in my neighborhood ( I live in Radda in Chianti, near Siena) and had I known I would have loved to meet you both and show you around ( and some food and wine,too).
Probably they didn't know of your plans otherwise Bruno, my son , would have given you my phone.
Enjoy your odyssey and do get in touch when/if you're in the area again ( flying back from Pisa?)

[Hops & Vines]

Thanks so much for your kind words Pietro. We hope to return to Italy before too long and would love to look you up!