Hilltowns were built primarily for defensive purposes in the Middle Ages. They were built with thick walls, heavy gates and watch towers. Tuscany has many. Among the hill towns we visited were Colle di Val d'Elsa, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza. In these towns we enjoyed fresh and aged pecorino cheese as well as fine wines. We visited one of the premier Brunello producers in the area, Poggio Antico.