The wine route from Montepulciano to Montalcino

The wine route from Montepulciano to Montalcino to discover two prestigious wines

Country sightseeing tour - Central Italy - Tuscany

Itinerary: Montepulciano, Montalcino

The wine route from Montepulciano to Montalcino, located in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Italy, is a delightful journey through some of the most renowned wine-producing areas in the world. Here's a suggested route and some highlights along the way:

Montepulciano: Start your journey in the charming hilltop town of Montepulciano, known for its Vino Nobile wine. Take some time to explore the historic center, where you can visit wine cellars, sample local wines, and admire the Renaissance architecture.

Montalcino: Finally, arrive in Montalcino, renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Explore the medieval hilltop town, visit historic wineries, and enjoy wine tastings with breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.

Throughout your journey, you'll be treated to stunning landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves characteristic of the Tuscan countryside. Don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine, which perfectly complements the exceptional wines of the region.

Montepulciano wine is a red wine made primarily from the Montepulciano grape variety, which is grown extensively in central Italy, particularly in the regions of Abruzzo and Marche. Despite the name, it's important to note that Montepulciano wine is not the same as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is a renowned Tuscan wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes and produced in the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany.

Montepulciano grapes are known for their thick skins and high levels of color and extract, resulting in wines that are often deeply colored, with rich fruit flavors and moderate tannins. Montepulciano wines can vary in style from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied, depending on factors such as winemaking techniques, terroir, and aging.

These wines are often enjoyed young for their fresh and fruity characteristics, but some higher-quality examples can also benefit from aging, developing more complexity and depth over time.

Montepulciano wines pair well with a variety of foods, including pasta dishes, grilled meats, pizzas, and aged cheeses. They are versatile and can complement a wide range of cuisines, making them popular choices for many wine enthusiasts.

Montalcino wine typically refers to Brunello di Montalcino, a red wine produced in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. It is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as Brunello. Brunello di Montalcino is renowned for its bold and complex flavors, often characterized by notes of dark fruit, leather, earth, and spice.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious and age-worthy wines. It must be aged for a minimum of five years, with at least two years spent in oak barrels, before it can be released for sale. The Riserva version requires even longer aging.

Montalcino also produces other styles of wine, such as Rosso di Montalcino, which is made from younger Sangiovese vines and is generally lighter and more approachable at a younger age compared to Brunello. Additionally, there are some producers experimenting with international grape varieties in the region.

Overall, Montalcino wines, particularly Brunello di Montalcino, are highly regarded among wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide for their quality, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.