The symbolic gatehouse to the kingdom of Brunello is without doubt the magnificent city of Siena, cradle of Italian art on the old pilgrim route from France to Rome, the Via Francigena. Leaving Siena by the south the route then winds towards Murlo, Pienza, to Montalcino itself.
Amidst the Crete, the unique landscape of sandy hills eroded into shape by antediluvian waters, the old fortress of Montalcino is the last outpost of Sienese territory before reaching the woods of the Maremma and the heights of Monte Amiata. This is the setting for one of Italy's most famous and most important wines, the first wine to compete on the stage of international wines for auction and for laying down in the cellar.