The following are the traditional dishes of the Montalcino area. We explain how to prepare them and where to enjoy them paired with quality local wines.

Montalcino traditional dishes: what they are and where to enjoy them

Montalcino, a charming Tuscan village nestled among the hills of Val d'Orcia, has a history that is as ancient as its fertile land where the finest vineyards grow. This rich background finds its expression in the culinary and wine and food traditions of the area.

Montalcino traditional dishes are all about authentic flavors that reflect a simple and traditional way of life deeply intertwined with the land and its excellent products. Each recipe takes you on a culinary journey, allowing you to discover the region's distinctive products. Moreover, every village or small town often takes pride in a personal reinterpretation of these recipes, offering a delightful array of unique and diverse culinary experiences in Montalcino.

What to eat in Val d’Orcia

Val d'Orcia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dotted by charming small villages set amidst a green landscape. Each village upholds the heritage of its local food and wine traditions, continuously conquering the heart of visitors from around the globe. Whether it is indulging in appetizers, first courses, main dishes, or desserts, you will have plenty of choices about what to eat in Val d'Orcia.

Cold cuts and cheeses from the area

Among the appetizers, a special mention goes to the Prosciutto di Cinta Senese, with its unique and unmistakable flavor, resembling that of game meat, and its characteristic spicy aroma, which pairs perfectly with Brunello di Montalcino.

Pecorino di Pienza is also among the delicacies offered in the Val d'Orcia area. It is a traditional dish of Montalcino. Whether it's fresh or aged for ninety days in oak wood barriques, its bold taste is influenced by the aromatic herbs fed to the sheep while being reared semi-wild.

Traditional First Courses

The traditional first courses of Montalcino and Tuscany are renowned for their strong and concentrated flavors, showcasing the authentic tastes and aromas of the region. They are often served with sauces made with game meat.

One of the most emblematic first courses is pici. Pici is a thick, long, and handmade type of pasta that embodies the culinary heritage of the Val d'Orcia. Pici beautifully complement various condiments (including game meat, garlic, and flavorful sauces) since their porous texture allows them to absorb and retain the sauces and flavors.

In the land of Brunello, pici is sometimes referred to as "pinci." “Pinci alle briciole”, a classic dish in Montalcino, is best enjoyed in local restaurants and taverns. It bears witness to the creative spirit of the Tuscan people, transforming a seemingly simple and humble dish into a culinary delight. In addition to the traditional condiments of garlic, oil, and chili pepper, toasted or stale Tuscan breadcrumbs are often added to provide a delicate and surprising element to the dish.

For a more elaborate option, "Tortelli alla Mugellana" stands out as one of the most beloved dishes and recipes in Montalcino, especially when paired with a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. These unique tortelli are crafted with fresh pasta and filled with marinated potatoes, cheese, parsley, and garlic. They go well with rich meat-based condiments like wild boar ragout.

Traditional Main Courses

Another renowned masterpiece of Tuscan cuisine to be savored in Montalcino is peposo, a succulent stew bathed in a thick and spicy sauce, imbued with the flavors of the past, reminiscent of traditional cooking that calls for this delight to simmer slowly for nearly three hours in a copper pot. Peposo is typically enjoyed alongside a slice of Tuscan bread and a glass of Brunello di Montalcino wine.

Another traditional Montalcino dish, rooted in its "poor" and working-class tradition, is stufato alla Sangiovannese. This stew is created with an assortment of aromatic spices, including ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Passed down from one Montalcino family to the next, each household boasts its own perfect blend of spices.

Traditional Desserts

Panforte, amaretti, and ricciarelli hold a special place in the hearts of locals and are deeply intertwined with regional traditions. To discover the origins of the oldest panforte recipe, which was once a delicacy reserved for nobles and aristocrats, one must travel back in time to the year 1000.

The "white" variation of panforte, widely enjoyed across the province of Siena today, can be traced back to a significant event—the visit of Queen Margherita in 1879 in Siena. During her visit, the people of Siena created a more delicate version of panforte, featuring a covering of vanilla-flavored sugar.

Where to Eat in Montalcino

This journey exploring the typical dishes and recipes of Montalcino inevitably leads to one question: where to eat near Montalcino?

La Taverna

One of the most iconic places to dine near Montalcino is Ristorante La Taverna, nestled among the hills that surround the enchanting Castello Banfi Wine Resort. This restaurant is housed within the ancient cellars of the medieval castle, boasting a traditional Tuscan decor with wooden tables, a collection of fine wine bottles on display, and charming brick vaults that create a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

The ambiance is that of a welcoming tavern of yesteryear, where you can indulge in the typical dishes of Montalcino in the company of friends and family, paired with exceptional local wines.

The menu showcases a selection of traditional Montalcino and Tuscan dishes, including braised pork cheek with Moscadello wine served with pumpkin, polenta, and plum jus, as well as porcini mushroom ravioli from Amiata, served with creamed chickpeas and Cinta Senese pork powder. The kitchen exclusively utilizes fresh, genuine, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the authenticity of the region's flavors and promising a gastronomic experience that should not be missed.

Sala dei Grappoli

Dining at Ristorante La Sala dei Grappoli, also located within Castello Banfi Wine Resort, is a journey through the flavors of Tuscany, artfully reimagined by Chef Domenico Francone and his team. The restaurant showcases the region's finest ingredients, crafting seasonal menus that deliver an unforgettable culinary experience, complemented by a superb selection of Banfi wines.

The restaurant features an interior dining room with a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, highlighted by exposed wooden beams and walls decorated with green and gold grape frescoes. Additionally, guests can enjoy dining in the outdoor area shaded by the Castello Banfi Wine Resort.