Day 8: Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a walled town in Tuscany whose origins date to the 3^rd or 4^th century BC in the Etruscan period. In Roman times, Montepulciano was a garrison town guarding one of the main highways connecting Florence and Rome.

The American Invasion of Montepulciano 2012.

Narrow Medieval stone streets with quaint shops.

Not sure what prompted this shopkeeper to post this notice in his window--did someone misbehave in his store?

 

One of many pretty churches in Montepulciano.

Charming medieval doorway.

In Medieval times, Montepulciano was almost constantly at war with neighboring towns, all ruled by different Italian families.

Palazzo Tarugi on Piazza Grande. This was home to one of Montepulciano's influential families.

Well with ornately carved arch next to Palazzo Tarugi.

After the unification of Italy, Montepulciano remained an important agricultural center specializing in production of cheese, pasta, honey and of course wine.

Vista of surrounding valleys and vineyards from the crest of Montepulciano.

We look like happy tourists, but we are sweating like pigs after the climb through the steep streets of Montepulciano.

Beer 6E, glass of wine 4.5E, proscuitto and assorted cheeses 11E. A shady terrace, a lovely breeze, good friends--priceless!

Bell tower and facade of the Communal Palace on Piazza Grande.

The local grape called Vino Nobile (not to be confused with the Montepulciano grape) yields wine
considered to be among the finest wine in Italy today

Wine cellar of La Cantina di Redi. These oak barrels are massive.

Wine tasting at Cantina di Redi.

Sold! Ready for our walk back down the hill to the car.

Examples of the lovely Italian architecture in Montepulciano.

This stately old lion guards the gate of one of the Palazzos.

Part of the Medieval fortification of the old town.

Back at Il Villino, it's time to prepare dinner. Gina's Italian heritage is sparked by her presence in the land of her ancestors. She is cooking her grandmother's recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce.

Tim, Susan and Mike have set the table and served salads.

The battle between northern and southern Italian cuisine: Meatballs in marinara sauce and chicken in white wine cream sauce with mushrooms over pasta. Italian comfort food.

 We worked up an appetite tromping up and down those hills in Montepulciano!

 My plate in the battle of northern and southern Italian cuisine. And the winner? Me! I ate it all!

 After-dinner stories and laughs. Kathy, Mark, Bryan

 Gina, Brian, Susan

Bryan and Rob.

Rob, Mike, Tim. Tim declared today a "10" and we all finished the evening tired but with appetites fully satisfied.