In vino veritas
Convinced that there is no more sane and simple way to live than the Montecarlo way, you may now be ready to join us on a country tour.
Landscapes that have not been overly re-modelled (sometimes ruined in the process) offer scope for the immagination, for self-expression and creativity. just look around and see what appeals to your taste: Montecarlo DOC reds or whites (especially Trebbiano, Malvasia, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, San Giovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Pinot, Cabernet, Sirah and Roussanne) and excellent golden olive oil (with an acidity level below 0.4% and an almondy after-taste), for example.
Many Montecarlo events are centered on wine. In mid-May Via Vinaria offers tastings of DOC and IGT wines with a Wine Bus for carefree visits to the Fattorie; Montecarlo in Festa honours the Madonna del Soccorso on 8 september but for 10 days glories in the grape, local gastronomy and cultural and musical entertainment; the Festival of New Wine and Oil takes place on the second wekend in November. Then of course there is the summer Jazz and Wine Festival.
With its surroundin vineyards and olive groves, Montecarlo has existed at least since 1000 AD. Its people moved from a nearby site called Vvinaia (property of the Duchi della Tuscia) after suffering a disastrous attack by the Florentines: soon thereafter in 1333 Carlo IV of boemia founded his “Montecarlo” by building the Fortress. Little has chenged, at least architecturally and agriculturally, since that time. Montecarlo wines were appreciated even in the 16th century, by Pope Paul Farnese III and Gregory XII and many others. In 1999 the wine route became “officially” identified; see www.stradadelvinoeoliolucca.it for more information and enjoy Montecarlo wines in Lucca at Enoteca Calasto (piazza S. Giovanni) and many other fine establishments.
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