The Nobile Trail takes its name from the fine red wine with Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) produced only in the territory of Montepulciano, and has a total length of 18.3 kilometres. It winds along hillsides containing vineyards, but it also runs alongside olive groves and other agricultural crops.
It starts from the Church of Saint Agnese, erected in 1306 at the behest of Dominican prioress Agnese Segni, passes along Via Pietro Calamandrei and then turns right into Via Mencattelli. Then, right again into Via dei Canneti, a ring road at the foot of the Poliziano hill, from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the nearby village of Montefollonico. You reach the Temple of San Biagio, one of the most prestigious buildings of Montepulciano, and then arrive at the crossroads of San Biagio, a road junction where the roads lead to Pienza, Chianciano and Montepulciano, and from here take a stone-paved road (Via di Fonte al Vescovo). This is where the descent towards the Val di Chiana begins.
Before going down to the paved road again, the trail runs along the spectacular area called ‘Balze’ (the Crags) characterized by a stratified tuff cliff rich with marine fossils. After arriving in Via di Martiena and, passing along the entire path, you will see (almost unexpectedly) the yellow-ochre facade of the Church of Madonna della Querce. Come closer to the path on the left, and you will get to Via dell’Antica Chiusina through a rural dirt road, where the trail changes back into an asphalt road again.
Continuing towards Cervognano, the space opens up onto the first vineyards of Nobile. After passing the Salcheto ditch, you have to turn right onto a gravel road to reach Via di Argiano. Let your gaze now wander down the rows of vines.
Going along Via di Argiano, you will pass a rural cemetery before entering the Cerraie wood. Here, a woodland trail leads to the Madonna del Cerro, i.e. a votive niche with a brick cornice preserving a sacred image which, according to tradition, was built after a miraculous event.
After leaving the wood, cross the provincial road 326 and then head towards Lake Montepulciano, where the Trail joins the Trail of the Bonifica, a 62km clay cycle-pedestrian trail, which goes along the banks of the Canale Maestro della Chiana, between the cities of Arezzo and Chiusi. The Nobile Trail is entirely on public roads and is accessible all year round on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback. Starting from an altitude of 520m above sea level, it arrives at an altitude of 250m above sea level near Lake Montepulciano.
For greater accessibility, the signs have been made according to the technical regulations of the THN “Tuscany Hiking Network” – the wooden signs, in addition to directions, also contain indications on both on the walking time and on the distance in km to the next point of interest.esse successivo.