Why Montalcino

The road leading up to Montalcino (named after the Holm oaks that used to cover the hill it stands on) winds through the vineyards and open fields of the producers of one of Italy's most exquisite (and expensive) wines, the pre-eminent Brunello di Montalcino. In mid September made from the deep purple Sangiovese Grosso grapes, almost ready to harvest, hang heavy on the vines. The rolling hills of southern Tuscany spread before you and the light is, just as so many writers have described it - golden and warming, bathing everything in its glow. As you round each turn you can see in the distance the fortezza standing tall on the southern edge of the town.

The local economy is prevalently agricultural and, in that context, the vine occupies only a small share of the total land surface: 50% is covered by wood and uncultivated land; 10% is planted in olive-grove, 8% is cultivated by vines of which more than a half are recorded in the list of the wine Brunello di Montalcino, the remainder is sown in grain, pastures and other cultivation. The hills of Montalcino, having been formed in different geological eras, present extremely variable soil characteristics, whether in constitution or structure.
The strip of the hill of moderate altitude, where the greater part of the wine making estates are situated, is not affected by fog, ice or late frost as are the surrounding valleys, while the normal, persistent winds ensure the best conditions for the health of the plants.