-Here we are in the company of Giovanni. Can you tell us a bit about the history? At what stage are we in the generation of this long Mazzei Family history?
-Today, I represent the 25th generation, along with my cousin.
Our family history dates back to the 11th century. Our family origins trace back to Carmignano, a small village where we were barrel artisans. Our name, Mazzei, derives from that place, as “mazza” symbolizes our craft.
In those times, the symbol was a wooden mallet, which we used to work with wood. From there, our journey as wine producers and merchants began, along with our involvement in politics and military roles, holding an important position in the Republic of Florence.
Eventually, we came closer to the Chianti Classico region, specifically to Fonterutoli in 1435, thanks to our ancestor Madonna Smeralda, who married the owner of that area.
Since then, 25 generations have passed, starting from 1475, and we have been producing Chianti Classico since 1435.
-What is your family’s greatest source of pride?
-What is our family’s greatest source of pride?
Well, our greatest source of pride is that we have a family that continues to look forward
with the responsibility of our heritage.
Of course, this legacy is extremely important, but the pride lies in the fact that we have a family that doesn’t just dwell on the past, but keeps pushing forward.
We understand that in order to carry this legacy forward, we mustn’t solely look backwards, but always keep our eyes on the future. Each generation takes pride in the desire to preserve and advance this land, this region.
It’s something that goes beyond rationality. Sometimes one wonders about the bond between humans and objects.
There is a pride within our family to keep renewing ourselves so that we can pass on this legacy to future generations.
-What do we find today in a bottle of Marchesi Mazzei?
You will find 600 years of our tradition, our passion in striving to produce something that is the ultimate expression of this fantastic territory.
-What will the 25th generation bring to the future of the company?
It is precisely this effort to make the message even clearer, purer as possible.
