Vittorio Frescobaldi, Italian wine industry leader, dies at 97

Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi, a prominent figure in the Italian wine industry, has died in Florence at the age of 97. A member of the 31st generation of his historic Florentine dynasty, Frescobaldi is credited with modernizing family agricultural structures and transforming Italian wine from a local product into an international symbol of excellence.

After taking leadership of the family business following the death of his father, Lamberto, he worked alongside his brothers, Ferdinando and Leonardo, to enhance estates such as Pomino, Nipozzano, and Castiglioni. He eventually passed leadership to his son, Lamberto, who currently serves as the group's president.

A wake was held at the convent of Santo Spirito in Florence, where community members and industry leaders, including Giovanni Busi, president of the Chianti Wine Consortium, gathered to pay their respects. Italian Minister Lollobrigida praised Frescobaldi as a reference point for the sector who successfully combined tradition with a vision for the future.