History Within Reach, Between Nobile of Montepuciano and Brunello of Montalcino

To taste the Nobile of Montepulciano wine and the Brunello di Montalcino is to taste and savour the traditional flavours of Tuscany. Outside the city wall of Montepulciano, a few steps San Biagio’s Basilica the exclusive Relais San Bruno offers you the chance to enjoy every scent and every aroma of Tuscany. Within reach are typical, regional dishes, and classic local wines such as the Nobile of Montepulciano wine to the Brunello of Montalcino.

History
Montepulciano (605 metres) extends to the hill ridge that marks the divide between Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia. This hill, already inhabited in Etruscan and Roman times, was more and more important during the early Middle Ages, because the plain gradually turned into a swamp, making transportation difficult, and other routes were taken towards the hill. The first quotation of Mons Politianus dates back to 715, and refers to a fortified settlement.

Although both are important wine producers, Montepulciano is different from Montalcino for a number of reasons. The tangible difference is not to be attributed to exaggerated local pride -( even though it is strong in this area )- or to vine growing and wine producing competition. The difference has a completely different origin. Montalcino was in the sphere of influence of Siena, whereas Montepulciano, had a free town council since the 12th century, and decided to become a part of the Florentine sphere of influence. This allowed the city to be defended against the expansionist policy of Siena and, furthermore, to benefit from the incomparable cultural, artistic and architectural blossoming of Humanism In 1561 it became a bishop’s residence, and was raised to the rank of city, continuing its development under the Lorena family. Today, Montepulciano is a thriving agricultural centre as well as an administrative centre.

Artistic Places
There are many but amongst those which stand out - the architectural jewels by Michelozzo, Antonio from Sangallo, Ippolito the Elder, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Vignola, Ippolito Scalza. Here was born Agnolo Ambrogini, the great poet of the Renaissance known as Poliziano.

Basilica of San Biagio
Masterpiece by Antonio from San Gallo the Elder (1518-1545). It is in the middle of a wide meadow, at the lower south-western slope of the hill of the historic town. The Basilica is built in travertine, on the Greek-cross plan, two orders and is surmounted by a high dome. Near the church the Canonica (priest’s house) can be seen. It was erected about fifty years after San Gallo’s death, nonetheless it respects his original plans.
The Basilica of San Biagio is at a few hundred metres from exclusive Relais San Bruno, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of this work of art.

It’s impossible to describe the smells and the flavours of the Tuscan countryside, the complete enthusiasm and hospitality of the staff of the exclusive Relais San Bruno, the typical dishes, the local wines, from the Nobile of Montepulciano wine to the Brunello di Montalcino. But once you have chosen to spend your holiday in Tuscany at Relais San Bruno, you will find it equally impossible to forget!