San Giovanni d’Asso is a village in the Province of Siena in Tuscany, Italy, now administratively part of Montalcino. Wines from San Giovanni, which incorporates the hamlets of Lucignano d’Asso and Monterongriffoli as well as the town of Montisi, are entitled to the Orcia DOC. (They are not entitled to any of Montalcino’s denominations). In the 1960s the demise of sharecropping saw an influx of Sardinian shepherds coming this area. The town is located in the heart of the Crete Senesi. Its castle is in the ancient, inhabited town centre, in whose basement is a museum devoted to the truffle, a key local speciality. Just outside the town centre is the St Pietro church in Villore. Near the town is the Bosco della Ragnaia, a forest-garden created by artist Sheppard Craige.

Wineries: ATRIVM.

Banks with ATMs: Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Via venti (20) Settembre, 1

Where to Eat

La Locanda del Castello. Hotel. Restaurant. Closed Wednesday. Tel+39 0577 802063 | www.lalocandadelcastello.com.

Osteria delle Crete, Via XX Settembre, 22. Truffle specialist. Tel+39 0577 803076 (Donatella) | www.assotartufi.com