OTHER TASTES OF VAL D’ORCIA
In August we went back in Val d’Orcia.
To finish the tour started in June, but also because you always go back to where you were good.
Over the years we have learned to appreciate the joys of returning. An emotion different from that of discovery, with its adrenaline rush; a more reassuring feeling, as warm and comforting as the warmth of your favorite blanket.
Four days around among tall cypresses, millenary abbeys and natural thermal baths, liking pecorini, Sienese cinnamon sausages and Tuscan cantuccini.
This latest foray into Val d’Orcia was not particularly marked by food and wine discoveries. But we tasted every glimpse, every crumb, every moment.
Of this tour we would like to point out a couple of edible stops (obviously dog friendly) and some interesting points to admire; but our real suggestion is to travel between hills as much as possible, hills and hills, enjoying the landscapes and colors of Tuscany, maybe even getting lost among the countless dirt roads: it will really be worth it.
let's begin.
A Montalcino, in addition to the endless cellars and wine bars, in the central square there is At the Logge di Piazza, wine bar with kitchen. The outside tables (recovery, one different from the other, nicely prepared) they are located under the historic 15th century loggia and offer a very pleasant stop, with a view of the city nightlife.
Tra le proposte: bruschetta and croutons, first courses of the Tuscan tradition, pecorino cheese platter, selection of hams (of Montalcino, at Love Senese, of Macchiaiola Maremmana). Given the very high winemaking propensity of the city, there is also a generous offer of wines by the glass, prevalentemente locali.
Among the unmissable things to see in Montalcino, l’Abbey of Sant’Antimo, dating from the 9th century and – according to legend – founded by Charlemagne.
The complex also houses a Monastic pharmacy where you can buy products made according to the recipes of the centuries-old monastic herbalist tradition.
Definitely worth a visit Vignoni bathroom, tiny hamlet of San Quirico d’Orcia developed around a large pool of thermal water.
During this period and until November, the center of the tank hosts an installation: a steel iceberg, part of the widespread exhibition "REFLEXES - Sculptures of light" which is divided into different areas of the Val d’Orcia, as part of the review Forms in the Green promoted and organized by the Municipality of San Quirico d’Orcia.
If between one photo and another you get hungry, you can stop at The workshop of… Cacio, snack bar and resale of typical products. Here you can buy a "Tuscan snack" to take away or have a specialty dish prepared (salumi, formaggi, vegetables and vegetables in oil, all cut at the moment and sold by weight) and stop to eat at the tables in the outdoor garden. We both made use of the garden (ideal for those who have a dog like us) that of the shop (for greedy purchases).
It is not part of the Val d’Orcia but is worthy of a detour Abbadia San Salvatore, small mountain town known for its abbey of the same name and in particular for its Lombard crypt. The peculiarity of the latter are the columns and capitals, all different from each other.
There are many things to do and see in Val d’Orcia.
It is easy to fall in love with this valley, with its wonderful villages, the fortresses, the wheat fields, i cipressi. It has an immediate beauty (different from that of the Maremma, wilder and less direct, but no less fascinating), that hits straight to the heart. And it is a real boon for wine lovers (in particular for the Brunello di Montalcino), of cheeses and cured meats.
We'll be back, also to visit the neighboring areas more thoroughly: Crete Senesi, Val di Chiana and Monte Amiata.
At the Logge di Piazza
Piazza del Popolo, 1 – Montalcino, Siena
such. 0577/846186
www.facebook.com/WineBarLeLogge
Abbey of Sant’Antimo
Location Castelnuovo dell’Abate - Montalcino, Siena
www.antimo.it
The workshop of… Cacio
Moretto Square - Bagno Vignoni, Siena
such. 0577/887477
http://labottegadicacio.com/
San Salvatore Abbey
Via del Monastero, 50 - Abbadia San Salvatore, Siena
such. 0577/777352
www.abbaziasansalvatore.it/
Our previous visit to the Val d’Orcia https://allassaggio.it/un-assaggio-di-val-dorcia/