Montepulciano is a town of Terre di Siena famous for its history, traditions and above all for its wine. In fact, Montepulciano was born as an Etruscan settlement: the Lucumone - Etruscan king - Porsenna used to spend his summer there.
But the splendor of Montepulciano came out during the Medieval times when it was a free municipality and even more after its alliance with Florence. Finally with the Lorena family, the town cultivated art and literature along with a natural aptitude for farming, mainly developed during the last centuries.
Wines
There are several famous wines produced in Montepulciano, the most important of which is for sure the so called Vino Nobile, extracted by selected Sangiovese - called Prugnolo gentile - and black canaiolo grapes. It is one of the most ancient wines of Italy of which it is possible to find some tracks starting from 18th century.
It is a DOCG wine - Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin - that requires at least two years of aging in barrel before being put on the market.
Among the most excellent years of wine production 1999 is the best ever, even if 2006 has been considered a good one among the most recent.
Besides the Vino Nobile in Montepulciano, the Red of Montepulciano is also produced - a DOC wine - that undergoes the same production process of the Vino Nobile, but in this case the area of vines cultivation is wider and it does not require 2 years of aging before to be put on the market.
Finally, we mention the Vin Santo of Montepulciano - sweet wine produced with Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano Toscano - and the Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice - excellent variety of sweet wine.
Thermal Baths
As most part of the Val di Chiana, Montepulciano is also a renowned thermal centre. In fact, there is a modern and specialized spa not far from its historical centre, with accommodation and wellness centre. Thermal waters - sulphurous mineral rich with minerals calcium and magnesium bicarbonate, very rich in carbon dioxide - flow at about 130 underground and from there conveyed to the spa.
Events in Montepulciano
The Bravio of Barrels (Bravio delle Botti) takes place every year on the last sunday of August. On this occasion the 8 districts of Montepulciano face each other in a race that consists of pushing a barrel of 80 kg for almost 2 km.
Bruscello Poliziano
In August the Bruscello also takes place that is a competition of popular and rural theatre where non-professional actors perform and sing. The theme is often taken by episodes from life in Montepulciano or by popular tales. The name of such a festival is a tribute to the famous poet Angelo Ambrogini, called "Il Poliziano", born in Montepulciano and considered the greatest Italian poet of the 15th century.