HISTORY
Family Contucci
As for all ancient stories, one cannot be sure of everything, but, given the importance of the Contucci family in the following centuries, it seems likely that they were already living in the centre of Montepulciano by the year 1000.
Contucci family
Our history
11th Century
Cultivation of the vine
The Contucci family already cultivated vines.
13th Century
Construction of the Cellars
The construction of the Contucci Cellars dates back to this period and was part of the narrowest city walls of Montepulciano.
16th Century
Construction of the Contucci Palace
Construction of the Palazzo Contucci by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder and frescoed by Andrea Pozzo. The palace was the residence of Pope Julius III and Grand Duke Ferdinand I.
1773
Fame of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The Contucci family contributed to making the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano famous (document from 1773).
1800
Awards and Medals
The fame of the Contucci family is demonstrated by numerous medals and certificates.
1887
Oldest bottle
The oldest bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from the Contucci family's private reserve still available dates back to this year.
July 2021
Opening of the Wine Bar
The company opens a wine bar inside Palazzo Contucci in Piazza Grande 13.
The family crest represented by a rearing unicorn to symbolise pride and truth.
In 1300 some of the family’s members, like Giacomo, were already Standard Bearers for the city, an honour only given to members of important families, because of the heavy expenses attached to the position.
In 1434 Contuccio was as a great honour, made a citizen of Florence; in 1542 Giulio Cesare and in 1586 Francesco were Standard Bearers. Ottaviano became the commander of Cosimo's army and died gloriously on 5th December 1594.
In the 17th century it is worth remembering Giulio, doctor of civil and church rights at Pisa University; Arcangiolo commander of the army of the Grand Duke Ferdinando II; Gregorio, who, besides being Standard Bearer in 1612, was also ``Alfiere delle Corazze`` of Christina of Lorena.
In 1700 the jesuit Contuccio was rector of the Study of Rethoric and responsable for the Kircheriano Museum in Rome.
Together with others he founded the Colonia Arcadica of Montepulciano (now Accademia Poliziana) and, like the other associates, took the surname of Lireno Boleio.
