Montalcino is a small and charming medieval village located south of Siena, nestled within the Natural Park of Val d'Orcia. Renowned worldwide for producing
Brunello, one of the most celebrated Italian wines, Montalcino is also home to a
unique and valuable culinary tradition waiting to be discovered and appreciated. The typical products cherished in Montalcino and Val d'Orcia are imbued with the aroma and flavor of tradition, history, and the passion with which they are crafted.
But what can you eat in Montalcino? What are the typical products of the town and the valley? Let’s explore them in this article.
When it comes to Montalcino’s typical products, the first that comes to mind is undoubtedly the famed
Brunello. However, not many know that within its walls, Montalcino boasts a long tradition of producing several other culinary delights, such as:
Montalcino Honey
The production of
honey in Montalcino dates back to the
early 1900s, when tenant farmers began keeping small colonies of bees to produce
honey for household use. Over time, this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, gaining prominence. Thanks to Montalcino's
unique microclimate, at least
10 different types of honey are produced here. The
honey season runs from May to October.
During this time, beekeepers take their bees on a journey that starts in the
millefiori areas where
acacia blooms, crosses
Monte Amiata with its blooming
chestnuts,
linden, and
sulla, and continues into the valley for
ivy honey production. The year’s last honey is
strawberry tree honey, produced between October and November, weather permitting mild temperatures and low rainfall.
In early September, Montalcino hosts the
Honey Week, a fair dedicated to professionals and enthusiasts. The event showcases the season's apicultural products, offering a chance to taste and purchase not only Montalcino's honey but also
Italy’s finest honeys.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The landscape of Montalcino has always been characterized by the presence of
olive groves, which add charm to the scenery. However, they are not merely decorative;
the olives harvested in Montalcino yield an extra virgin olive oil with a strong yet balanced flavor and rich color, making it one of the area's finest local products.
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Montalcino's Cured Meats
Among its specialties,
Montalcino is also renowned for its production of cured meats, including
capocollo,
guanciale, and
Montalcino salami. Additional offerings include
pancetta tesa,
salami, and
wild boar sausages. Completing this rich list is
the traditional Montalcinella, a typical Montalcino cured meat made with pork and blended with fennel seeds and flowers.
Another gastronomic tradition of Montalcino is its cheese production. The village boasts a wide array of
pecorino and
goat cheeses alongside other dairy products. Among Montalcino's
pecorino cheeses, those infused with
truffle,
walnuts, and
grape must are particularly noteworthy. However, the range extends to include
fresh,
semi-aged, and
aged sheep cheeses.
Saffron
Saffron production in Montalcino also traces back to ancient traditions. Initially, saffron was grown in small family gardens, and from those few bulbs,
Montalcino’s saffron production has expanded significantly.
An example of saffron production in Montalcino is offered by the Pura Crocus farm.
San Giovanni d'Asso Truffles
In Montalcino, particularly in the
San Giovanni d'Asso area that encompasses the southern-central Crete Senesi, numerous
truffles can be found. In recent years, truffles have gained recognition as a local specialty, celebrated annually through various fairs showcasing and honoring their exceptional qualities.
These and many other products are typical of Montalcino, sure to delight your palate while immersing you in age-old traditions. Why wait? Embark on a journey to discover Montalcino's culinary heritage and visit
Enjoy Montalcino to learn more about this enchanting
medieval village!