History of Montescudaio:
The name ‚Montescudaio' comes from the Latin word ‚Mons Scutorum’, which means ‚Mountain of the Shields’ or ‘Mountain of the Knaves’. The name reminds of the military tasks that the place fulfilled in the medieval times. An urn from the Villanovian Era and a cup, in which water used to be mixed with wine according to Greek rituals are testimonies of the early origins of Montescudaio. The earthquake from 1864 destroyed the oldest castle houses, including the abbey church Santa Maria. Thanks to the inhabitants and to the great support of the grand duke, the village was rebuilt in only 10 years. Since 1861, Montescudaio has been developing, sharing the history of the communities inside of the Italian Kingdom. The coat of arms of the village represents a 5 corners crown on a shield with 3 mountains. The crown symbolizes the shire Della Gheraldesca, and the 3 mountains represent the 3 castles of the family.
Montescudaio and wine:
Montescudaio has always been associated with wine. The vine culture dates back to Etruscan times, and M. is the main agent of Montescudaio DOC, belonging to the national association “Strada del vino Costa degli Etruschie” (‘the wine street’). Since 1976, the 7 communities (Montescudaio, Riparbella, Casale, MontecatiniVdC, Guradistallo, S.Luce, Castellina) have been part of the association. DOC Montescudaio was at the beginning a copy of the Chainti authenticity. Trebbiano, Colorino and Canaioloare are famous for the red wines. Malvasia and Vermentino are famous fort he white wines. The Montescudaio DOC wines are a nice change, and the San Giovese offers you innovative vine varieties, such as Cabernet and Merlot.
Activities:
In Montescudaio, there are numerous musical performances and cultural activities, which enrich the annual cultural calendar. In May, the ‘National day of the small community’ is celebrated. The national association organizes annually ‘The Bread Town’. Musical festivals and cinema performances take place in July, whereas in August, the national association ‘Città del Vino’ invites you to the presentation of ‘Calici di stelle’. Festa dell’Estate takes place in the middle of August. Since 1967, the Wine Festival takes place in the first week of October, and it attracts thousands of amateurs. “Montescudaio Olea” normally takes place at the end of November: ‚Bread, Oil and Oil Mill’. In the impressive spots of the village, Christmas cribs are installed in December.
