The Frescobaldi family has played a significant role in the development of cultural life in Florence since the Middle Ages. They served as patron to a number of poets, musicians, and explorers during this time. In addition, they were key merchants in the major guilds of Florence. All of this contributed to Florence being recognized as a focal point of the renaissance. The Frescobaldis have always enjoyed a very close relationship with agriculture, long being one of Tuscany's premium wine producers. In more recent years they began applying their experience with growing grapes to growing olives and developing innovations in oil production. Their vast land holdings are primarily used for growing grapes, timber, and grain. Since the mid 1980s, at which time they entered into the consortium of Laudemio, they have shifted some of the agricultural focus to growing olive trees. The Frescobaldi family currently manages 4500 hectares of land in Tuscany, of which 230 hectares are planted in olive trees. The heart of the olive trees are situated at Castello di Nipozzano. As you drive the winding single lane road to the Castello di Nipozzano you can see across the valley to the majestic buildings that make up the ancient Castello. Carefully planted groves of olives trees dot the landscape surrounding Castello di Nipozzano, which in turn are surrounded by vast forests and vineyards. The olive trees are planted in accordance with the strict guidelines of the consortium, creating a homogeneous connection with the land and surrounding enviroment. Using state of the art technology to extract the purest essence from the olive fruit, the Frescobaldi oil holds up to the name Laudemio, meaning select or choice. The Laudemio Consortium holds each of it members to strict standards from how the olive tree's are planted, to how the fruit is harvested, and finally to how the oil is extracted from the fruit. carries true essence of the olive fruit.

Region: Florence, Tuscany 2011 Harvest

Olive cultivars: Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino

Filtered, Estate-bottled

Description: Green, fruity, and sophisticated. A fresh aroma with hints of artichoke and pepper.

Rated #1 Tuscan oil in 1997 by Wine Spectator.