Visiting Montepulciano

Visiting Montepulciano

Introduction

Visiting Montepulciano – 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, which is 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 a highlight, with 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 also known for its picturesque views, charming streets, and traditional festivals, such as the Bravio delle Botti, a wine barrel rolling competition that takes place in August.

Where is Montepulciano and How to get there from Rome?

Montepulciano is a town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy. It is located about 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 to explore.

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 take the A1 motorway to the Bettolle exit, then follow the signs to Montepulciano.

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

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

All the above option will get you to Montepulciano but 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.

Montpulciano 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, which is a clone of the Sangiovese grape. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a dry, medium- to full-bodied red wine that has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma with notes of red fruit, spices, and leather.

The wine-making 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, there are around 90 wineries in and around Montepulciano that 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 wine-making 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 a minimum of two years, with at least six months of that aging period in oak barrels.

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

What to Visit in Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is a charming medieval hill town with a rich history and culture, making it a great 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 is located in the Piazza Grande and it 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 great 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 important 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 a great base from which to explore the surrounding towns and villages such as Pienza, Montalcino, and Cortona.

Montepulciano is a charming town that offers a lot 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 that are 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 a type of handmade spaghetti, similar to thick spaghetti, served with a 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’s tripe cooked in a tomato sauce.
6. Ricotta and Spinach Gnocchi: These 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, it is used in a variety of dishes.

Montepulciano’s cuisine is simple and hearty, with a focus 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 a variety of options for dining, 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 the historic center of Montepulciano and it serves traditional Tuscan cuisine. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes and local cheeses.
2. La Cantina: This is a charming trattoria 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 it 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 it 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 is a charming hotel 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 located 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 is a charming hotel located just outside of the historic center of Montepulciano, it offers traditional Tuscan-style rooms with beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside.
4. Palazzo Carletti: This is a luxurious hotel located 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 is a charming hotel located in the countryside outside of 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 a great 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 in 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.