On the label of our Brunello di Montalcino there is the reproduction of a rare silver coin called “Parpagliola”. It dates back to year 1556, and it is owned by Roberto Bellini. The she-wolf of Siena (lupa senese) suckling the twins is represented on the front side of the coin, with the inscription “R.P.SEN.IN MONTE ILICINO” and on the back side there’s the lily cross with the inscription “HENRICO II AUSPICE” (King of France, husband of Caterina De Medici and ally of Siena). The Parlagliola was minted by Agnolo Fraschini in 1556 during the period of the Republic of Siena in Montalcino. On April 21st 1555, the inhabitants of Siena fled their city as it was conquered by the imperial troops of Florence and Spain together with the French under the leadership of Biagio of Montluc. The Senesi made their way towards Montalcino, and they set up a new government declaring the “Senensis Republic in Monte Ilcino” under the protection of the King of France. Under the motto “Ubi Cives, ibi Patria”,many nobles and families of Montalcino joined their new government. The Siena exiles in Montalcino were able to resist against the Spanish and Florence sieges until 1559, when the treaty of Cateau Cambresis was enacted. It stipulated the peace between the two empires in war; the territory of Montalcino was ceded to Spain and the Medicean duchy.