Palazzo I Ricci

The Ricci family was just that, molto ricco.  If their imposing palazzo right in the heart of Montepulciano is any indication, they had money, power, influence and lots and lots of wine, water and food stored in the cellars beneath their palace.  In fact, when the family began digging to set the foundation for this huge palazzo in the early Renaissance, they came upon.... you guessed it, Etruscan ruins.

The family crest, seen here, greets you as you enter the palazzo and begin descending into the labyrinth of the cellars. 

On the right you see rather fierce black birds along with the family motto: Provoke and Protect.  On the left is a porcupine.  The porcupine was considered a powerful little creature and he is now featured on the family wine label.

As you descend, there are layers and layers of bedrock, along with a special kind of cement that the Etruscans used.  The cellars are dug into clay and tuffa, that keep the place at the perfect temperature for storing food and wine.

Exploring the caverns: