|
Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia,
Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Chianciano Terme are located fairly
centrally in Tuscany and each is an easy day trip from Cortona,
Florence, Siena, or most parts of the province. There are outstanding
views from the winding roads and many castelli and cantine which
allow "drop-in" tasting and sell the wines and olive oil
produced on their estates.
BACKGROUND
Originally named Corsignano, Pienza
was slated in Renaissance times by Pope Pius II (born here in 1405)
to become a model town. However, his designs were never realized
beyond a few buildings around the main piazza within the walls.
Primary buildings are the Duomo
(constructed by Rossellino in 1459), Palazzo Piccolomini (Enea
Piccolomini was the birthname of Pope Pius II), and the Pieve
di Corsignano (11th century church in which Pope Pius II was
baptized). Nevertheless, Pienza is a small and charming town in the
lovely Tuscan countryside. Also worth seeing is nearby (~5 km from Pienza; just off the road towards Trequanda)
Sant'Anna in Camprena which was the location used as the set for the movie "The English Patient"
; and (~7.5 km from Pienza) San
Quirico d'Orcia which is on the way to Montalcino.
Although not as well-known as the
Chianti region, this area contains Montalcino, the home of the
excellent Brunello
wines by Banfi and other producers, as well as Montepulciano's
Vino Nobile and Vino Rosso. Montepulciano is called "The
Cathedral of Wine" and 55% of its production is exported,
primarily to Germany, Switzerland, and the USA. If possible, visit
during Wine
Day (May 26, 2013; last Sunday in May annually since 1998) when
most cellars are open for tastings.
Wine tours are offered by the "Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano"
every Thursday from May to October; the tours depart at 15.00 from Piazza Grande, 7 in
Montepulciano and reservations must be made in advance. For groups of at least 6 people,
wine tours can be organized on alternate days. Further information and reservations
can be made by calling (0578) 717484.
Montepulciano is located on a ridge
which is about 600 m high. It is surrounded by walls which were
erected on the orders of Cosimo I. The church of Madonna di San
Biagio, started in the early 1500s and masterwork of Antonio di
Sangallo, stands outside the walls.
The connection between Montepulciano and wine production has been documented as far back as
790AD; with numerous personages (among them Sante Lancerio & Francesco Redi) through the
centuries lauding it as "exquisite" and "the king of Wines." The principal wines produced are
Rosso di Montepulciano (80% Sangiovese - aka Prugnolo gentile - & 20% cannaiolo nero) and Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano (80% Sangiovese, 15% Cannaiolo nero, & 5% Mammolo). Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
first received the DOC designation on July 12, 1966 and the DOCG designation in July 1, 1980.
Montepulciano also produces white wines (typically 50% Malvasia & 50% Trebbiano), Chianti Colli Senesi,
and Vin Santo.
Montalcino has been well-known for production of red wines
since the 1400s and is renowned today for their Brunello. Brunello (from Sangiovese grapes)
was invented by Ferruccio Biondi Santi; his first bottling was in 1888 and the
winery is still in business today. Further, Brunello was one of the first Italian
wines to receive the DOC (1966) and DOCG (1980) designations. Aging requirements
for the wines of Montalcino vary, from 2 years for Rosso di Montalcino to 5 years
(2 at least in oak) for Brunello, and 6 years for Brunello Reserve.
The 14th century Fortezza
provides outstanding views over the adjoining countryside.
Monticchielo, not far off the main road between Montepulciano and
Pienza, is best known for its plays titled "Teatro Povero", which are presented in July and August.
ADDRESS & PHONE CODES
Pienza
Postal code: 53026 (SI)
Phone prefix: +39 (0578)
Tourist
office: Corso Rossellino, 59
Tel/Fax: (0578) 749071
infopienza@quipo.it
www.infinito.it/utenti/ufficio.turistico
Montepulciano
Postal code: 53043
(SI)
Phone prefix: +39 (0578)
Tourist office: Tel/Fax:
(0578) 717242 or
Tel: (0578) 758687
Tourist office pro loco:
Via di Graciano nel Corso, 59
Tel/Fax: (0578) 757341
Strada
del Vino Nobile: (0578) 717484
Montalcino
Postal code: 53024(SI)
Phone prefix: +39 (0577)
Tourist office: Costa del Municipio, 8
Tel/Fax: (0577) 849331
San Quirico d'Orcia
Postal code: 53027 (SI)
Phone prefix: +39 (0578)
Tourist Info.:
Via Dante Alighieri, 31
Tel: (0577) 897211
Chianciano Terme
Postal code: 53042 (SI)
Phone prefix: +39 (0578)
Tourist office (APT):
Piazza Italia, 67
Tel: (0578) 671122-23
Fax: (0578) 63277
POSTAGE Postcard/Letter
To UK/Cont.
To US
0.60 Euro 0.85 Euro
|
|
