Frescobaldi

The Frescobaldi family have been in Tuscany for over a thousand years, spreading their influence as bankers they once earned the title of treasurers to the English crown. A mere seven hundred years ago the family diversified into agricultural activities, primarily producing wine and olive oil. For 30 generations they have combined tradition, experience, innovation and creativity to pursue excellence. Their aim was simple, to respect and enhance the terroir of the family estates that surround Florence and to bring the best example of Tuscan produce to the market. Their aim remains the same today.

About Laudemio

In 1985, 90% of Tuscany’s olive trees were killed, or suffered severe damage in a frost that saw temperatures drop to -25 degrees Centigrade. During this time the region’s olive oil production dwindled to almost nothing and it was understood that these trees would need between three and five years to recover. It was, therefore, surprising to many that quite a lot of ‘Tuscan’ olive oil was still appearing on the market.

With the aim of promoting the region’s heritage, Marchese Vittorio and Marchesa Bona Frescobaldi spearheaded the creation of the Laudemio Consorzio in 1986. The name Laudemio was drawn from the Latin Laudemium ‘the best part of the harvest, destined for the lords table’. Originally there were twenty producers who made up this consortium, Laudemio, the first brand in the history of olive oil to talk of its specific origins and production policies. It was well ahead of its time – the first olive oil DOP was not seen until 1996.

The rules are strict: independent tasters assess the quality of the oil and quantify how much each producer can produce to ensure that no inferior oil is mixed in. The oil from each producer must be put in the same standardised bottle and marked with the producers own label. The bottle is non refillable.

In 1986, the then Prince of Wales, a close friend of the family, planted a tree at Frescobaldi’s estate of Castello Nipozzano. Still today, King Charles III receives the extra virgin olive oil as a gift for his birthday.

The first harvest of Laudemio Frescobaldi took place in 1989 and was milled at their own Frantoio (mill) near Castello Nipozzano. The harvest usually starts in October, when the olives are beginning to turn from green to purple. The harvest must be completed by the 30^th of November.

The company has groves - 350 hectares and growing - all around Florence and at different altitudes. The layers of different terroirs and microclimates allow the olives to develop differently at each location to create the unique style of olive oil. Most of the trees are of the Frantoio variety, although there are also Moraiolo and Leccino which add nuance to the flavour, and most importantly, are the pollinating trees.

About Tirrena

The launch of Tirrena pasta marks a new departure for the Frescobaldi family; a semi-whole durum wheat semolina pasta made from three types of ancient grains grown on their estates. It is a truly artisan product, but we have come to expect no less for a product bearing the name Frescobaldi.