Montalcino and its Vines: History that Shapes the Future

“The study of history is essential in order to understand and face the present with all of its challenges,” explains Professor Alfio Cortonesi (Tuscia University), “and it is not even to explain Montalcino as the emblem of a link with the land, agriculture, cultivation of vines and wine production.” And it is precisely in Montalcino, a rough isolated territory with immeasurable resources which have developed competent personnel and brilliant ideas all along, and which have brought this territory to dialogue with the world over the centuries in spite of it all.  A rich land, suitable for agriculture as well as art, craftsmanship and research. The cultivation of vines has always been a part of Montalcino, and this is due to various factors. If the morphological, geological and climactic characteristics prove to be ideal for vine cultivation, manual work has stimulated its growth resulting in good fruits of their labor. But the history of vines in Montalcino has not always been connected to Brunello. Even if today it is the main product of the area, the cultivation of Sangiovese grapes is quite recent with roots that trace back to the end of nineteenth century at Biondi Santi.

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