{"id":40121,"date":"2022-10-22T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-22T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.xtrawine.com\/?p=40121"},"modified":"2023-02-24T13:02:11","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T12:02:11","slug":"the-reasons-to-visit-siena-and-what-you-need-to-know-about-montepulciano-wine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.xtrawine.com\/en\/the-reasons-to-visit-siena-and-what-you-need-to-know-about-montepulciano-wine\/","title":{"rendered":"Tuscany: Siena and Montepulciano Wine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The beautiful city of Siena is a stunning delight in Tuscany. And of course, the mere mention of the word \u201cTuscan\u201d tells you that the city likely has an extensive history with wine. That is the case, as Siena is part of the long tradition of Montepulciano winemaking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, we think the city is worth exploring a little further. This article explains why an Italian wine lover may want to visit the stunning city of Siena. We also look at some things you need to know about the Montepulciano wines you\u2019ll probably be drinking during your visit. As you know, Montepulciano and Chianti wines best represent Tuscany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Reasons to Visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering why you should visit this ancient Italian town, we can explain some reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Palio di Siena Horse Race<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A horse race may not seem like a particularly enchanting reason to visit a city. But there\u2019s something very different about the Palio di Siena Horse Race. It\u2019s one of Italy\u2019s oldest traditions, with the first race likely occurring during the 6th<\/sup> century. The race is also very different from any you\u2019ve likely seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How so?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Palio di Siena Horse Race involves each of the city\u2019s districts selecting a horse and a jockey to represent them. All told, 10 districts take place in the race, and the winner is the first horse to circumvent the city\u2019s famed Piazza del Campo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, the race only takes a few minutes. But what sets this event apart even further are its festivities. The race is a four-day festival with stunning wine and food. That makes it one of the biggest reasons to visit the city of Siena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Siena
The Palio Horse Race<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Piazza del Campo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Piazza del Campo<\/strong> deserves a visit even when it doesn\u2019t have horses hurtling around it. Many consider it one of the great Medieval squares in European history, it has a stunning shell-shaped design and serves as a wonderful open space in the centre of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do pay a visit, you\u2019ll be delighted to know that there are many cafes and bars around the square where you can enjoy a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, and a glass of Italian wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Siena
Piazza del Campo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stunning Architecture<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Siena\u2019s old town has been named a UNESCO world heritage site<\/strong> for a reason. It has some amazing medieval architecture examples that you won\u2019t see anywhere else. Even a short stroll down the red-bricked streets of the old town reveals some impressive sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the fantastic Duomo di Siena is the true standout. This stunning Gothic cathedral has a unique black-and-white striped design. Towering above the Piazza del Campo, it\u2019s a true sight to behold from the outside. And when you wander inside, you\u2019ll be stunned to see outstanding art pieces from great Renaissance-era artists like Donatello, Pisano, and Michelangelo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Siena
The outstanding Duomo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Siena is an Italian city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should go without saying that you will find some exquisite dishes in its vast array of caf\u00e9s and restaurants. Of course, you\u2019ll be able to eat plenty of Italian staples. But if you want the try Sienese experience, we recommend trying pici and ricciarelli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pici is a pasta dish similar to spaghetti, though the pasta is much thicker. It\u2019s also usually served with pepper and either tomato sauce or cheese. After polishing off that main course, ricciarelli is ideal for dessert. It\u2019s a beautiful biscuit made using almonds that we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the city has over 400 restaurants to choose from, meaning you\u2019re sure to find something to fall in love with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Local Wineries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wine tourists can enjoy some wonderful glasses of wine with almost every activity on this list. But if you want to learn more about the Montepulciano wine Siena is known for, a local vineyard tour is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many wine tours to participate in, though you\u2019ll have to take a short trip to Montepulciano<\/strong> if you want to see the wines from that region. You can still visit the Tuscan Wine School<\/strong> even if you don\u2019t want to journey to a vineyard. Located just a few minutes from the Siena cathedral, the school is great for learning about the region\u2019s wine. Plus, you\u2019ll get to savour local delicacies as you learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Need to Know About Montepulciano Wines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, you\u2019ve decided to take a trip to the town of Montepulciano during your trip to Siena. You\u2019ll have a chance to experience some beautiful wines and explore the town\u2019s amazing vineyards. Before you make the trip, here is a crash course on what you need to know about the wines of Montepulciano before you go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n