Montepulciano

The town runs along a narrow ridge at six hundred metres, one long climbing street of Renaissance palaces ending at Piazza Grande with the cathedral and the Palazzo Comunale, whose tower gives views to Monte Amiata. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made from a Sangiovese clone called Prugnolo Gentile, was among the first Italian wines granted DOCG status in 1980. Several historic cellars descend three or four levels under the palaces, cut through older cellars and in places through Etruscan tombs, and are open for visits. Sangallo's church of San Biagio stands alone below the walls in travertine.

History

Legend credits the founding to the Etruscan king Lars Porsena of Clusium, modern Chiusi, and finds show a settlement here in the 4th to 3rd centuries BC; in Roman times it held a garrison guarding the main roads of the area. In the 12th century it was repeatedly attacked by the Republic of Siena, and its people held out with help from Perugia, Orvieto and sometimes Florence (Wikipedia, Montepulciano).

What to look for

• The deep cellars - wine stores cut down through Etruscan tombs.
• Piazza Grande - the cathedral, town hall and tower on the ridge top.
• San Biagio - Sangallo's travertine church standing alone below the walls.
• The Vino Nobile - a DOCG red from a local Sangiovese clone.

When to go

April to October; the Bravio delle Botti, a barrel-rolling race between quarters, is run in late August. Harvest is September. Winter closes many cellars.

Before you go

The main street is a steep continuous climb from the gate to the square. Parking is outside with a hard walk in. Tasting rooms can be crowded in season.

Nearby

Pienza lies west; Chiusi is south.

Key facts