Visiting Montepulciano

Visiting Montepulciano

Introduction

Montepulciano is a medieval hill town that sits on top of a high limestone ridge in the southern part of Tuscany. It is famous for its wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made from a local grape variety called Prugnolo Gentile. The town is also known for its beautiful Renaissance architecture, with many palaces and churches from the 14th and 15th centuries. The town’s main square, Piazza Grande, is highlighted by the Palazzo Comunale, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the iconic Torre del Pulcinella. In addition to its architectural and winemaking heritage, Montepulciano is known for its picturesque views, charming streets, and traditional festivals, such as the Bravio delle Botti, a wine barrel rolling competition in August.

Where is Montepulciano, and how do you get there from Rome?

Montepulciano is a town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy. It is located southeast of Florence and north of Rome. The town is known for its wine production, particularly the red wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It also has a beautiful historic center with many churches, palaces, and charming streets.

By Car: You can rent a car in Rome and drive to Montepulciano. The drive takes about 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. You can grab the A1 motorway to the Bettolle exit, then follow the signs to Montepulciano.

By Bus: Several bus companies operate daily buses from Rome to Montepulciano. The trip takes about 3-4 hours, and the bus will drop you off at Montepulciano’s bus station, just outside the city walls.

By Train: You can take a train from Rome’s Termini Station to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Station, then grab a connecting bus or taxi to Montepulciano. This journey takes around 4-5 hours, including the train and bus or taxi ride.

All the above options will get you to Montepulciano. Still, the most comfortable and time-efficient option would be by car, as it will give you more flexibility to explore the area and visit nearby towns.

Montepulciano Map

Ancient Winemaking Traditions

Montepulciano is renowned for its winemaking, specifically for the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This wine is made from a local grape variety called Prugnolo Gentile, a Sangiovese grape clone. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a dry, medium- to full-bodied red wine with a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of red fruit, spices, and leather notes.

The winemaking tradition in Montepulciano dates back to the 14th century, and it is said to have been enjoyed by the likes of Pope Pius II and Michelangelo. Today, around 90 wineries in and around Montepulciano produce Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, using traditional methods to ensure the quality and authenticity of the wine. Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the winemaking process and sample the wines.

The wine production in Montepulciano is regulated by the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which oversees the production and labeling of the wine to ensure that it meets strict quality standards. The wine must be aged for at least two years, with at least six months of that aging period in oak barrels.

Montepulciano also produces Rosso di Montepulciano, a wine that has characteristics similar to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano but is aged for a shorter time and less expensive.

What to Visit in Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is a charming medieval hill town with a rich history and culture, making it an excellent destination for travelers interested in art, architecture, and wine. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Montepulciano:

1. Piazza Grande: This beautiful main square is the heart of Montepulciano and is surrounded by impressive Renaissance palaces and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
2. Palazzo Comunale: This 14th-century palace in the Piazza Grande is worth visiting for its beautiful frescoes and artworks.
3. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: This Gothic-Renaissance church is a masterpiece of architecture and art, featuring a beautiful façade and an impressive interior with frescoes, sculptures, and chapels.
4. Torre del Pulcinella: This iconic tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Montepulciano and offers excellent views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
5. Cantina del Redi: This is an ancient wine cellar dating back to the 16th century, and it is considered one of the most essential historical cellars in Montepulciano.
6. Enoteca Italiana: This is a wine museum dedicated to the wines of Montepulciano and Tuscany, where you can learn about the history and production of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
7. Montepulciano’s wineries: The town is famous for its wine, specifically for the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, visit some of the wineries that produce this wine, most of them offer tours and tastings.
8. Surrounding towns: Montepulciano is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding towns and villages, such as Pienza, Montalcino, and Cortona.

Montepulciano is a charming town that offers much to see and do, from exploring its medieval streets and admiring its art and architecture to sampling its wines and enjoying its beautiful views.

Montepulciano Cuisine

Montepulciano is known for its traditional and hearty cuisine. The local cuisine of Montepulciano is characterized by simple and rustic dishes typically made with fresh, local ingredients.

Some of the traditional dishes of Montepulciano include:

1. Pappardelle al Cinghiale: This dish is made with wide ribbons of pasta, typically pappardelle, and a sauce made from wild boar.
2. Pici al Sugo d’Agnello: This dish is handmade, similar to thick spaghetti, served with lamb sauce.
3. Tagliatelle al Tartufo: This dish is made with thin ribbons of pasta, typically tagliatelle, and a sauce made with truffles, which are found in the surrounding hills.
4. Strangozzi con Funghi Porcini: This dish is another type of handmade pasta, similar to thick spaghetti, served with a sauce made from porcini mushrooms.
5. Lampredotto: It is considered the traditional dish of Florence. It is made of cow tripe cooked in a tomato sauce.
6. Ricotta and Spinach Gnocchi are small dumplings made from ricotta cheese and spinach, typically served with a simple tomato sauce or butter and sage.
7. Crostini Neri: It is a traditional dish made of slices of bread, topped with a mixture of liver and pork meat.
8. Cinta Senese: It is a traditional pork meat from the Siena province, where Montepulciano is located, used in various dishes.

Montepulciano’s cuisine is simple and hearty, focusing on traditional ingredients and preparation methods. The cuisine is also paired with famous wines of the region, such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino.

Where to Eat in Montepulciano?

Montepulciano has various dining options, from traditional trattorias to upscale restaurants. Here are some recommendations for where to eat in Montepulciano:

1. Osteria del Conte: This restaurant is located in the heart of Montepulciano’s historic center and serves traditional Tuscan cuisine. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses.
2. La Cantina: This charming trattoria is located in the heart of the town; it serves traditional Tuscan cuisine in a rustic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses.
3. La Grotta: This restaurant is located in the historic center of Montepulciano, and it serves traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses.
4. Il Rossellino: This restaurant is located in a beautiful palace in the historic center of Montepulciano; it serves traditional Tuscan cuisine and is famous for its homemade pasta. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses.
5. La Bucaccia: This is a charming trattoria located in the historic center of Montepulciano; it serves traditional Tuscan cuisine in a rustic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses.
6. La Cantina della Talosa: This is a family-run winery and restaurant located in the countryside around Montepulciano; it serves traditional Tuscan cuisine and is famous for its homemade pasta. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses.

When in Montepulciano, it’s a good idea to try traditional Tuscan dishes such as pasta dishes, meat dishes, and local cheeses, and pair them with wines from the region like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino.

Where to Stay in Montepulciano? Best Hotels in Montepulciano

Montepulciano offers a variety of options for lodging, from traditional bed and breakfasts to upscale hotels. Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Montepulciano:

1. Hotel La Palazzetta: This charming hotel is located in the historic center of Montepulciano; it offers traditional Tuscan-style rooms with beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside.
2. Palazzo Leopoldo: This is a luxurious hotel in the historic center of Montepulciano; it offers elegant rooms and suites with antique furnishings and beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside.
3. Hotel San Biagio: This hotel is located just outside Montepulciano’s historic center; it offers traditional Tuscan-style rooms with beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside.
4. Palazzo Carletti: This is a luxurious hotel in the historic center of Montepulciano; it offers elegant rooms and suites with antique furnishings and beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside.
5. Hotel La Selva: This charming hotel is located in the countryside outside Montepulciano; it offers traditional Tuscan-style rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Agriturismo Le Caggiole: This is an agriturismo located outside of Montepulciano, it offers traditional Tuscan-style rooms and apartments with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and it’s an excellent option for those who want to experience Tuscan rural life.

When choosing a place to stay in Montepulciano, consider the location and whether you prefer to be in the heart of the historic center or the surrounding countryside. Many of the accommodations offer beautiful views of the town and the surrounding countryside, and some of them even have their own vineyards and wine cellars where you can taste and purchase wines.