Val d'Orcia, five senses tour

Think the iconic picture of the one-stand cypress tree on top of a green hill stretching itself toward the blue sky, that postcard of Tuscany everybody on this planet can recognize. Think Russel Crowe’s Gladiator, that landscape of wheat gently shaking under the wind, like a field of gold. Think coloured hills and natural scenarios harmonious and placating: they all belong to the most sought after destinations in Tuscany: Val d’Orcia.
There are several reasons for this, not only the Unesco Heritage award in 2004 for its compelling scenery, the true motivation is that Val D’Orcia is heaven for our five senses, no matter what one’s age, sex or status is.

“Val D’Orcia is a region of Tuscany, which extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. Its carefully combed rolling hills are occasionally topped by country farms and picturesque towns and villages such as Pienza, rebuilt as an “ideal town” in the 15th century and Montalcino, land of the world famous Brunello di Montalcino, among the most prestigious of Italian wines” I read on this english magazine, while waiting for my train in London. “One latest research assumes that the Val d’Orcia landscape helps recovering from mental stress and strains, thanks to the harmonious beauty of its land, the quite traffic-free atmosphere and the genuineness of its products”. The last paragraph strikes me: I actually do need a stopover before my nerves burn out, I have done nothing than work for the past weeks, months, years.
Read on Wall Street International

Foody Montalcino!

First of all, make sure you drop an eye into each shop or restaurant  or even an old pharmacy along the main street in Montalcino and you will find everywhere a view open on the breathtaking panorama of rolling hills surrounding the Via Cassia.

When visiting Montalcino area, most people just have a short walk around the small historical town and its fortress and then head to wineries for precious Brunello tasting. Of course, this is a highlight of the place, nevertheless I was pleasantly introduced by Teresa, our guide, to some renown places and habits in Montalcino that you cannot really miss!

After a while you will be captured by the sweet smell of almonds and sugar of the traditional Sienese cakes and biscuits: ricciarelli, pan pepato, panforte. Fresh baked ones offer incomparable tastes with respect to those industrially produced. A stop at Mariuccia’s pastries is a must!

For greedy palates here is another wonderful treat, which is the king of sweets in Montalcino, i.e. Cioccolatoni dessert, chocolate fudge in different flavors, served chilled. Yummy! 

After enjoying some snacks as aperitif, we had soon to stop for a visit inside the Fiaschetteria Italiana, one of the oldest cafes in Italy.

If you are tired of walking and wish a bit of rest, Teresa suggested us a weird but yet very characteristic place to sit for a while and have a chat with locals: the Butcher’s. In front of big pieces of meat and different recipes from stuffed beef to polpette and the chianina steaks, you will enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the place.

After walking all through the historical centre, reach for the Montalcino fortress and its wine bar where you can still access to ramparts and the sentinel’walk.

At last, after such “stressful” day, toast with Brunello wine at sunset! Cheers!