Frescobaldi

The Frescobaldi are a prominent Florentine noble family whose influence extends deeply into the political, economic, and social fabric of Florence, continuing strongly to this day.

Originating from Val di Pesa in the Chianti region, they first rose to prominence in the twelfth century and remain one of Florence's most respected and influential families in contemporary times

Early history

The Frescobaldi family initially established their economic foundation through the Italian cloth merchant community in Bruges, later expanding their banking activities to their hometown of Florence during the 13th century. Their influence in Florence was built upon controlling key guilds, notably the Arte della Lana (wool guild), the Arte di Calimala (guild of foreign cloth merchants and finishers), and the Cambio (money exchange).

The Frescobaldi significantly impacted European politics and economics, notably through financing the English monarchy. In the late 13th century, they established a banking branch in London, financing King Edward I's military campaigns and managing the English wool trade, essential for Florentine textile industries. Their prominent role included handling English customs revenues starting in 1307 and managing papal tax collection in England, indirectly funding Crusades. They also provided significant financial operations in Germany and Scotland, reflecting their expansive international presence.

In Florence, the Frescobaldi were closely associated with significant architectural contributions, including the construction of the Ponte Santa Trinita in 1252 by Lamberto Frescobaldi, connecting key parts of the city. They were committed supporters of the Medici family, and several Frescobaldi members received honorary senatorial titles. Additionally, the family donated land for the construction of the Basilica di Santo Spirito, Filippo Brunelleschi's final major work.

Beyond finance and politics, the Frescobaldi produced notable literary figures, including the poet Dino Frescobaldi (died c. 1316), a contemporary and friend of Dante Alighieri, and Leonardo Frescobaldi, who documented his travels to Egypt and the Holy Land in 1384, providing valuable historical insights into the regions' cultures and economies.

Today, the Frescobaldi family continues to be active, particularly in the production of excellent wine and oil. Lamberto Frescobaldi, the current Marquis and President, has led an important expansion of the company, consolidating its position among the most prestigious wine producers on an international level

Wine production

The Frescobaldi family began producing Tuscan wine in 1308 and quickly established an esteemed clientele. An intriguing historical detail from 1308 includes a documented exchange where Michelangelo Buonarroti traded his artwork for Frescobaldi wine. Additionally, the Frescobaldis supplied wine to King Henry VIII of England; surviving contracts in the family archives bear the English king's signature.

Vittorio degli Albizi In 1855, who became related to the Frescobaldi family through the marriage of his sister Leonia to Angiolo Frescobaldi, was among the first to experiment with modern winemaking techniques on the family's estates. His contributions in 1855 notably included introducing grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot to Tuscany.

In 2013, Lamberto Frescobaldi, president and representative of the current generation, played a pivotal role in expanding the family business. Under his leadership since 2013, the company has experienced substantial growth, solidifying its reputation as one of the leading producers in the international wine industry.

The Coat of Arms

The Frescobaldi family crest follows the Guelph heraldic tradition, characterized by a horizontal division of the shield. In the upper portion, the coat of arms features a solid gold field, symbolizing nobility and prestige. In the lower portion, on a red background, three silver chess-rooks stand out, distinctive elements of the lineage that evoke solidity, tradition, and family continuity.

President Frescobaldi

Born in Florence on June 27, 1963, Lamberto Frescobaldi represents the 30th generation of his family and has dedicated his career to preserving and innovating the Frescobaldi family's winemaking heritage, elevating it to new levels of excellence.

His education began at the University of Florence, where he studied agriculture before moving to the United States to attend the University of California, Davis. Here, he spent two years specializing at the heart of international viticulture research, graduating in 1987. Subsequently, between 1988 and 1989, he served as an officer in the Carabinieri, attending the 130th Reserve Officers Course of Artillery in Rome.

In 2013, Lamberto was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors at Marchesi Frescobaldi. With a dynamic and forward-thinking approach, he revitalized the company’s production and financial performance, consolidating the global market presence of Frescobaldi wines. Among his most innovative projects is Gorgona wine, resulting from a unique collaboration with inmates of the prison island Gorgona, demonstrating how wine can serve as a tool for social inclusion.

His commitment to the wine industry extended beyond his own company. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of Unione Italiana Vini, Italy's leading federation of winemakers, becoming its President in 2022. His leadership has strengthened the role of the Italian wine sector internationally, particularly with a focus on innovation.

Alongside his professional life, Lamberto is deeply connected to his family. He is married to Eleonora Boetani Nesi and has three children Vittorio, Leonia, and Carlo with whom he shares his passion for wine and Tuscany. His vision goes beyond mere business management: for him, wine is culture, history, and a bond with the land, something to pass down not only through bottles but also through future generations.

Under his leadership, Frescobaldi continues to embody the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, affirming its status as a symbol of Italian excellence worldwide.

Gorgona

The Gorgona Project was born from a visionary idea to merge social responsibility with viticulture by involving inmates from Gorgona Island's prison in winemaking, offering them a meaningful path toward rehabilitation. Lamberto immediately recognized the profound potential of this initiative—not just to produce exceptional wine, but to give a powerful second chance to individuals seeking redemption. His intuition transformed a challenging scenario into a remarkable journey of growth, hope, and quality craftsmanship.

The wine produced on Gorgona Island is both symbolic and exceptional. A harmonious blend primarily based on Vermentino and Ansonica grapes, it captures the distinctive essence of its unique terroir—fresh, mineral-rich, and kissed by Mediterranean breezes. Each sip embodies purity, and reflecting the powerful story of redemption behind its creation.

Under Lamberto's careful guidance, Gorgona wine has become not only a remarkable expression of viticulture excellence but also a testament to humanity and resilience

References

Media related to House of Frescobaldi at Wikimedia Commons