BENVENUTO BRUNELLO

18 to 21 February 2011
Fortress of Montalcino - Montalcino (SI)

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium (which is the only wine consortium to which all producers in the respective area are associated), organizes every year in Montalcino, in February, an event called "Benvenuto Brunello". The event will include the press launch of the new wines introduced in the market since the beginning of the new year and the proclamation of the stars assigned to the new vintage just produced. Also celebrating the laying of the tile which is always delivered painted by someone prominent such as the artist Sandro Chia, designers Miuccia Prada and Roberto Cavalli, photographer Oliviero Toscani and others. The important thing is that the tile clearly shows the vintage and stars received, and the rest is the result of creativity and art. The LECCIO D'ORO award of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium is divided into three sections: Restaurant Section, Wineries and Wine Bar Section and Tavern Section. Two days of the event that lasts four days are devoted to the presentation of the new wines on the market for professionals of the sector.

JAZZ & WINE IN MONTALCINO

14 to 24 July 2011
Fortress of Montalcino - Montalcino (SI)

 

Founded in the summer of '98 in the charming fourteenth-century Fortress of Montalcino, in Tuscany, Jazz & Wine offers the public a chance to listen to proposals of the finest Italian and international jazz, combining the pleasure of listening, however, with that of good drink, thanks to one of the most prestigious Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino, whose fame has long since crossed the ocean. After each concert, the audience can taste the wines produced in the area. The event is organized in collaboration with the Tourism Department of Montalcino, the Province of Siena and the Tuscany Region. Jazz & Wine is now in its fifth edition: and is already considered by the public and professionals to be a reference point for music of great quality. A unique place where you can meet musicians of great talent and even historical figures of jazz at the international level (Sarah Jane Morris (2002 + 2006), Luis Bacalov (2005), Carl Anderson Big Band (2001), Scott Henderson Blues Band (2004) and Hamilton De Holanda (2004), just to name a few. Jazz & Wine is the ideal place to meet, in a very suggestive area of Tuscany. A place that is extremely receptive to international tourism. For the duration of the event, the Fortress is outfitted with great taste taking the opportunity to highlight the most striking areas.

WEEK OF HONEY
Fortress of Montalcino - Montalcino (SI)

 

Each year in September, for more than 30 years, the ASGA has been organizing the Week of Honey. The Week of Honey represents the national market for honey and products of the hive, beekeeping equipment, apicosmetics, publishing and honey-yielding plants. Beekeeper, Roberto Franci (Fabio Tassi's uncle) founded the ASGA (Association of Siena Grosseto Beekeepers in Montalcino) approx. 30 years ago, and thanks to the week of honey, many honey producers from all over Italy have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences and to try other products. Inside the fortress of Montalcino, visitors can taste honey and receive information about its properties and even watch a beehive; and, in addition various products derived from bees, there are also other products that go well with honey will be displayed. There will be a booth dedicated to an exhibition of works written by the pupils of the primary school in Montalcino. In the space all the children can have fund drawing the colourful people of the hives.

FEAST OF THE THRUSH
October 30, 2011
Montalcino (SI)

 

Since 1957, on the last Sunday in October, Montalcino celebrates the Feast of the Thrush, an event that is matched, although in a smaller version, by the opening of the hunt, but which is held on the second Sunday in August. So, twice a year, the Quarters of Montalcino, Borghetto (white and red), Pianello (white and blue), Ruga (yellow and blue) and Travaglio (yellow and red) are on the field to compete in an archery competition that ignites the hearts of the entire population. The Feast of the Thrush originates from the ancient tradition of hunting in these areas, in fact, in October on the hill, where olive trees alternate with vineyards and woods of Mediterranean thatch, now as in the past, the flow of migratory birds from the north and particularly the thrushes, is more intense. In the medieval period hunters and falconers beat the countryside and returned home laden with prey; they had parties and banquets in which all participated, nobles and people; the bravery and skill of the men were measured in jousts, while women gave evidence of their skills in making meals from the game, and with the generous wine of the place. The procession continued on to Piazza Garibaldi where, from the ancient S. Egidio, the church of the Sienese in Montalcino, a blessing is given to the archers, the real protagonists of the tournament in the afternoon. The participants then go to the fourteenth-century fortress. In the four Quarters of Montalcino you can enjoy tasty and traditional products: pappardelle with wild boar, pinci sauce, bean soup, grilled meats, all served with the famous wines of Montalcino. Starting in the morning the boys and maidens of Trescone, in the costumes of the nineteenth century Tuscan countryside, dancing and singing accompanied by accordion, invite all to join the party. At the end of the competition, the winner retires receives a silver arrow, the prize for the victory won, from the Captain of the Field, chanting songs of joy and mockery towards the other Quarters. The festivities will continue throughout the winter and those who lost will have to endure the songs and jokes of the winners.