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A tiny walled town on a hilltop near Montepulciano, Monticchiello is a quiet, lazy place which makes for an excellent lunchtime stop-off on a tour of the area. La Porta, true to its name, is just inside the old gate to the town and has a lovely terrace with views across the valley to Pienza. You can tuck into a major Tuscan lunch here including thick, home made ‘pici’ with pesto or meat sauce, potato-stuffed ravioli or steak, or go for a lighter snack of bruschetta, salads, vegetable flans, grilled vegetables or local cheeses. Wash it down with a bottle of local, full-bodied Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Booking is advisable.