With Marchesi Lamberto Frescobaldi at the helm of the eight Frescobaldi family estates, the Frescobaldi brand has cemented its footing in the history and legacy of Tuscany. The Tuscan wine family has over 700 years and 30 generations in Tuscany. Records place the Frescobaldi family in Florence as early as the year 1300. They were part of the rise of the Florentine banking industry and played a role in the political and economic world of Florence at the time.
On a recent visit to Tuscany, I visited a few of the Frescobaldi estates, including the island penal colony of Gorgona where incarcerated individuals are a part of the grape growing process. The Frescobaldi history is long and rich, and came alive as we explored the properties and enjoyed the wines.
A breakdown of each of Frescobaldi’s eight estates can be found below.
Castello Pomino
East of Florence in Tuscany; the history of the estate dates back to the 1500s. In the mid-1800s, Frescobaldi family member Leonia Degli Albizi planted Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Blanc, which are still planted there today. The tart and refreshing traditional method sparkling Leonia Pomino Brut is named in her honor. The tasting room is open by appointment, plus guest suites for rent.
Castello Nipozzano
Located in the Chianti Ruffina zone, this castle is one of the most iconic Frescobaldi estates. The Frescobaldi family wine collection is stored here where Sangiovese is grown along with the red Bordeaux varieties. The tasting room is open by appointment, plus guest suites for rent.
Tenuta CastelGiocondo
Located in Montalcino, this estate was purchased by the Frescobaldi family in 1989. They were one of the area’s first producers of Brunello di Montalcino. The tasting room is open by appointment, plus guest suites in a farmhouse for rent.
Tenuta Perano
Located the heart of Chianti Classico in Gaiole in Chianti. The vineyards sit on three natural amphitheaters between 450m-600m above sea level, and are planted to Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties. They make three red wines: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rialzi. The tasting room is open by appointment.
Tenuta Castiglioni
An ancient agricultural estate owned by the Frescobaldi family since the 11th century. The estate is planted to Bordeaux varieties and Sangiovese. The tasting room is open by appointment.
Tenuta Ammiraglia
An estate with a modern wine cellar and vineyards planted in geometric shapes on the hillsides leading down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The tasting room is open by appointment.
Remole
An estate producing IGT Toscana wines, and the site of the Frescobaldi historical archives.
Gorgona Project
Began in 2012 through a collaboration with the Penal Institute of Gorgona Island, an agricultural penal colony and the only island prison in Europe. Planted to Vermentino and Ansonica to make two wines, the project aims to train incarcerated people in vineyard work and winemaking. On a recent visit we witnessed the Gorgona incarcerated people pruning vines and working on the property. They are paid a living wage and their salary is allocated for their ongoing care, their families, and their ultimate release. These same people are offered employment upon release from Gorgona at other Frescobaldi properties.
Brianne Cohen is an LA based event producer, certified sommelier, wine educator, and wine writer. During the pandemic, Brianne entertained over 7,000 people through her “Virtual Vino” online wine classes, regularly highlighting diverse (i.e. Black, BIPOC, female, and LGBT) owned wineries. She now offers both in-person (and virtual) wine tasting experiences for her corporate clients. Brianne regularly judges at international wine competitions, including the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London and holds the WSET Diploma certificate. She writes on her own blog and for outlets such as Decanter, Vintner Project, and Kiplinger. She also holds an MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Brianne Cohen Wine & Events is a certified woman-owned business with WBENC.
