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Itinerary: Montalcino - Castel Giocondo - Camigliano - Poggio alle Mura - Argiano - Tavernelle - Montalcino
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The vineyards of Montalcino, south of Siena, produce Brunello wine. This unique red wine was created on these very hillsides in the 1800's by a vintner using only San Giovese grapes, aging them for a lengthy period in oak barrels. Montalcino's gentle hills range in height between 400 and 600 meters. In summer, the dirt roads cut through a verdant sea of vines heavy with grapes. The bicycle's advantage is that it puts you in direct contact with the Earth. Our suggested route takes you across the Brunello region, through medieval Tuscan villages rich in history and local color .
You arrive in Montalcino by taking the Brunello Road that separates from S.S. 2 (the ancient roman Cassia road)
just past the village of Buonconvento.
Follow the same road towards San Angelo in Colle indicated by roadsigns. After 2.5 km. the road takes to a right turn for Tavernelle; it becomes a dirt road, winding in a panorama of chestnut and oak groves.
4 km. later, signs will be posted for Castel Giocondo. Signs point to a descent, followed by a steep (but brief) climb up to the town. Without entering the town, veer to the right towards a steep decline leading onto a smooth plain.
The surroundings are decidedly wild and rugged. You'll feel as though you've entered a fresco by Piero della Francesca as sharp greens contrast with varied earth tones. Soon after, at the intersection with a paved road,
turn to the right and continue on to a cluster of houses at Camigliano.
Follow signs indicating Poggio alle Mura. The dirt road will take you to a brook running through a small valley. Travel along the brook's left bank until you come to a large oak tree close to an intersection. Take a right turn and in no time you'll be at the castle of Poggio alle Mura. Well worth a visit!
Afterwards, go down the paved road which opens into the road to Montalcino. Go 3 km until you reach a sign indicating a dirt road to the right which will take you towards Argiano.
Having reached it, you leave the town behind at your left and enter into a green sea of vineyards. You'll soon reach an important junction. Take the only uphill road and proceed on towards Montalcino. Pedalling along on first the dirt road passing Tavernelle, then again on the same state highway towards Montalcino you started out on.
Along the way, keep an eye out for the typical Tuscan bread (baked without salt) , prosciutto tagliato al coltello (thin slices of ham sliced by hand) and a nice glass (or two) of Brunello.
Without a doubt, it will taste much better here than at home! |
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Need to rent a mountain bike?
Automotobici Perozzi Cost per day: approximately 10 Euro. From the Siena Railway Station several local trains allow bicycles on board, get off at Monte Antico, in the Montalcino region |
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