Montepulciano by Poliziano
Itinerary
Montepulciano is situated on top of a hill, reaching over 600 meters above the sea level, right in the middle of the two major valleys of the area, being respectively Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. It is placed in quite of a strategic position, relatively close and well-linked to some of the major and most important Tuscan cities, such as Siena (40 minutes by car), Florence (1 hour and half by car), and to the Capital, Rome (around 1.5 hours) and Perugia (40 minutes by car).
Montepulciano is an historical town of Etruscan origin, where according to many travelers and writers the cultivation of vines has always been a common practice at least since the 770 a.C.
We strongly recommend to get a car in order to visit around the area and its surroundings.
Eat & Drink
La Dolce Vita: for lunch time, I suggest to pay a visit to Christian from “La Dolce Vita”. The place is situated inside the historical town of Montepulciano, in Voltaia’s avenue. Christian is a great expert of wine, and he’ll certainly fascinate you with his deep oenological knowledge and great professionality during your stay. This wine shop accounts for 600 labels from Montepulciano, and 3000 bottles in total from all the major Tuscan denominations. La Dolce Vita is also a restaurant and you can have traditional Tuscan dishes, rearranged with a little bit of fantasy!
Le Logge del Vignola: We are still inside the historical town of Montepulciano, close to Piazza delle Erbe, where you can see the famous Loggia from “Il Vignola”, an influent architect from the sixteen’s century, to which the restaurant’s name is deliberately inspired. Wait for dinner before discovering how this restaurant’s cuisine re-edits traditional dishes in a modern style by using primarily seasonal and local ingredients. Enriched by very elegant rooms, where the owner and his daughter will cuddle you throughout dinner time. Great selection of wines.
L‘Osteria del Borgo: Right at the top of Montepulciano, in Piazza Grande, you can find another important restaurant, “L’Osteria del Borgo”. Here, besides the traditional cuisine (do not miss out on their handmade pasta!!), what makes this place absolutely incredible and unique is the view: I’d strongly recommend you to reserve a table in their terrace for dinner, especially in the summer time, so to have the opportunity to fully enjoy on of the most beautiful sunset you can witness anywhere else in the area.
La Bottega del Nobile: Situated right at the bottom of the historical town, close to the Marzocco’s column, symbol of the close relationship between Montepulciano and Florence (the Lion). La Bottega del Nobile is one of my favorite wine shop: here you have the opportunity to try many different wines, specifically by the glass, thanks to their innovative enomatic winemachine. Great professionality of their sommeliers. You can also have some appetizers along with the wines.
Discover
Piazza Grande: At the highest part of Montepulciano, you can find its main square, known as Piazza Grande. One of the most beautiful and iconic place of Tuscany, where even a few international movies were shot (Twilight – New Moon). The great similarity of the Town Hall to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, along with the water well that portraits the Montepulciano’s logo, the Griffin, with the Florence’s one, the Lions, enhance further the historical bond between the two cities.
Fortress: Build in 1261, this building expresses the intertwining between history and present. Throughout history it was used differently according to the specific needs: from hosting the military, up until the 16th century, to the present day, where it hosts artistic exhibitions, conferences and cultural activities both for tourists, students and locals. Here you can also find the wine shop of the Consorzio del Vino Nobile.
San Biagio: Situated just outside of Montepulciano, this is one of the most recognized church of the area. Built in the 1518, by Antonio da Sangallo Il Vecchio. The main characteristics are the Greek cross’s shape and its impressive size, which makes it distinguishable from the far distance.
Museo Civico Piancoteca Crociani: The only museum of Montepulciano: here you can find a vast collection of Etruscans tools, Della Robbia’s terracotta ceramics and a Caravaggio’s painting.
Bravio delle Botti: In case you are planning to come to Montepulciano around the last sunday of August, do not miss out on the Bravio delle Botti. This is an historical re-enactment of the challenge between the eight Contradas of the town. It consists in having each Contrada’s team to “push” and to roll a barrel from the bottom of the town all the way to Piazza Grande throughout a prescribed route. The one who gets at the top first wins the race and receives the Bravio. Throughout the entire prior week, you have the opportunity to see and to discover different fascinating events such as the Gonfaloniere’s proclaim, the Candles Parade, which anticipates the race. Furthermore, every night of the week each Contrada remains open and welcomes everybody to come, serving traditional food and playing music in a cheerful climate.
Besides Montepulciano you will have the opportunity to visit similar historical town in the surroundings: Pienza, Chianciano Terme, Cortona and San Quirico.
Stay
La Lupaia: Situated just outside of Montepulciano, close to Montefollonico. Immerged in the typical Tuscan rolling hills, this historical estate, which dates back to the 1622, provides an intense and suggestive experience. Along with the uniqueness of their rooms and suits, the beauty and distinguishable aspect of Lupaia is the surrounding: incredible views of Val d’Orcia, the town of Montepulciano and the San Biagio’s church, the town of Montefollonico, many vineyards and olive trees. If you prefer nature, if you are looking for a tranquil and relaxing experience and you enjoy walking, this is definitely the place to stay!
Il Tosco: Situated inside of Montepulciano. Il Tosco only offers 4 suits, each of them personalized with both old and modern furniture. If you are looking to experience one of the most passionate and genuine Tuscan hospitality, Elena and her mother Clori are certainly your best option. Do not miss out on Clori’s breakfast!!
Visit & Taste
Situated on the main road which links Cortona to Montepulciano, close to the small town named Montepulciano Stazione, you can find Poliziano. We strongly suggests to make a reservation before coming, although it is not mandatory. By reservation you can have the opportunity to make a tour of our winery and cellar plus a tasting of 5 of our most recent wines.
Throughout the tour, you’ll have the chance to learn many different things regarding our production philosophy: the management of the vineyards, how we select our grapes, how we work in the fermentation cellar and the aging processes we apply to our wines.
Contact us
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