Montalcino Man

Montalcino stands as a small city between Siena and Florence. Its significance to the area, however, is a testament to long disputed European territories and the many kings and wars started over the many resources Tuscany has to offer. The French, Holy Roman and Spanish Florence empires had all grown to claim the territory at some point. Siena, on the path of a major trade route between Rome and Florence had grown its own industrial kings. When the Spanish Tuscany forces wrestled Siena from Rome, the weathly tradesmen and kings holed up in Montalcino, occupying a castle, and successfully resisting for years. Eventually the Medici reclaimed the whole of Tuscany after the Spanish owed huge debts to the prestigious family. Their coat of arms are smattered all over this small walled city as a testament.

Its now known for its fine wines, as evidence of the many wine shops, tours and restaurants flaunting their prize wines. Likewise, the tourism brought by the wine is what keeps the economy alive. That's not to say this area is devoid of its own traditions.

When you walk the parameter of the city, you notice flags marking the districts and torch holders affixed to the old building walls. As it was explained, the city still holds annual competitions at the beginning of the hunting season. Similar to the Palio in Siena, this festival pits the city's marksmen again each other to prove the best shot. This is steeped in tradition, as the wild boar season brings in the regions most prized meat (which I tried in a small restaurant with spinach ravioli and house made salumi, peccorino and prosiccuto).

My visit wouldn't have been complete without ordering a few bottles, which my host was quick to help arrange. A successful wine shop manager walked me through their best reserve wines, allowing me to make my choices. The owner emerged into the shop, sharing a likeness in character, and voice to Giapetto from Pinocchio. His kindness offered a generous discount on the wine, and eventually led to a tour through the city to his wineshops and amazing apartment he had invested in.

I relate this because the city has grown to accept and hugely embrace the tourism, through welcoming kindness. The town holds its small city characteristics, but offers spoken English and a general openness to foreigners sometime taken for granted in the larger cities. This is a definite stop for anyone looking to see Tuscany as it was, and enjoy where its going.

Also it has the best gelato and cappuccino I've had so far.