ABSTRACT
The traveller in fifteenth-century Italy who was tempted to take an easier route along the bottom of a valley was very likely to meet an ambuscade. The vigorous passions of a turbulent and restless people are always ready to flare up unexpectedly like hot coals under the ashes. Italy is a blood-stained country. The best vintage from Montepulciano is a dry, nutty-flavoured red with a distinctive flavour unusual in most Italian wines. It is sold mostly from one cantina whose cellars — pilgrims are encouraged to walk through them — make a cool, musty-scented contrast to the arid air outside. The fields surrounding the Church of San Biagio are a favourite place for visitors. The fields surrounding the Church of San Biagio are a favourite place for visitors. There is a north and a slightly decaying atmosphere which induces a remembrance of things past, a feeling of having been there before.
