Certain aromas are enough to recount age-old histories. Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano, and Chianti are three of the most famous wines in the world, and this is no coincidence. These are flavours to love and deserve to be understood, and it is precisely for this reason that it’s essential to visit the places that gave them life. Our English-speaking and knowledgeable driver will pick you up from the hotel and transport you to Chianti for the chance to savour the famous wine which has immortalised the name of this region throughout the world, and you’ll also discover some hidden treasures of the area.
Our visit to Chianti is only the first stage of the journey, so make yourself comfortable because the Val d'Orcia is still to discover. Cypress trees embellish a valley that inspired numerous Renaissance painters, so much so that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. You’ll have the chance to visit a vineyard and local winery for a firsthand look at the birthplace of the lively garnet which colours every drop of Brunello. Not to miss is a lovely Tuscan lunch, with local dishes accompanied by Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino.
After lunch, we’ll cross the soft hills of the Val d'Orcia to reach the Montepulciano area, where you can visit various cantinas and discover how the great wines of this region are made. We finish strong with a tasting of Rosso, Nobile and Riserva Nobile di Montepulciano, after which you’ll be transferred back to your hotel by our driver.
This itinerary is subject to any changes related to the availability of the various wineries.
HISTORY
Brunello di Montalcino
The history of Brunello is a long one, beginning when Ferruccio Biondi Santi produced the first version of this wine more than a century ago. Since then, this red born in Montalcino in the province of Siena has made quite a name for itself. With a ruby colour, an intense bouquet, and an elegant and harmonious body for the palate, this wine has an energetic and dry taste. There are only two areas designated by the Brunello Consortium for the production of this wine, which must be produced exclusively with Sangiovese grapes.With at least two years of ageing in large oak barrels and at least four months in the bottle, Brunello can be sold only from the first January following five years after the harvest. The Brunello Reserve, after the two years in large barrels, spends many months in bottles. The DOCG label (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) was assigned to the area of Montalcino, making it the first winemaking region to receive such recognition. This title guarantees that the production of Brunello has been subjected to strict regulations and guarantees the quality of the product.
Nobile di Montepulciano
We’re in the presence of one of the oldest wines in the country. The first accounts of this wine date back to a document from 789 AD with a long and glorious history, so much so that the poet Francesco Redi dedicated an elegy to the Nobile di Montepulciano wine. This red wine labelled DOCG is produced in the area of Montepulciano in the province of Siena, and must contain at least 70% Sangiovese grapes and no more than 20% Canaiolo Nero grapes, while the use of small quantities of other local varieties is allowed.The wine is aged for two whole years, during which at least one year must be spent in oak containers. The winemaker can choose whether to age the grapes in wood for the whole 24 months, for 18 months in wood and the remaining time in containers made of other materials, or 12 months in wood and at least six months in the bottle, with the remaining time in other types of containers. If the Nobile has been aged for at least three years (of which at least 6 months has been in bottles) and has reached an alcoholic content of 12.5%, it can take on the denomination of Vino Nobile Montepulciano Reserve.