I Contucci

The new millennium has witnessed the arrival of a new generation of Contuccis in the family firm and in the worlds of culture and business in Montepulciano.

According to the oldest sources, the origins of the Contucci family date back to the year 1000, and it is known for certain that the Contuccis were one of the most notable families in Montepulciano ever since the middle of the 14th century.

The heraldic emblem of the house is a white unicorn rampant on a blue background symbolizing pride and truth. The Contuccis have always been titled of the old and prestigious name of Patrizi senesi (Sienese patricians).

In 14th century some of the members of the family were gonfaloniers of Montepulciano.

In 1434 Contuccio was admitted with great honour to the citizenship of Florence; Ottaviano commanded the army of Cosimo I de’ Medici and gloriously died on 5th December 1594.

Among the several important members of the family who lived in the 17th century, let us mention: Giulio, who was Doctor of Civil and Canon Laws at Pisa University, Arcangiolo who commanded the army of the Grand Duke Ferdinando II, Gregorio who, besides being Gonfalonier in 1612, was also Alfiere delle Corazze for Cristina di Lorena.

In 18th century the Jesuit Contuccio was rector of the chair of rhetoric and curator of the Kircheriano Museum in Rome; he took part in the foundation of the Colonia Arcadica di Montepulciano (Accademia Poliziana) and as an Arcadian he adopted the pseudonym of Lireno Boleio.

Alamanno was for pleasure a very talented and greatly appreciated organ maker; the organ of the Chiesa di S. Biagio in Montepulciano and the one in the Chiesa del Carmine in Florence, are two of his best and well-preserved works.
In 1721 Domenico was decorated by the Grand Duke of Tuscany of the Ordine Militare di Santo Stefano (Saint Stephen Military Order). The Jesuit Niccolò was a teacher of the Collegio Romano (Roman College), became a missionary and went out to Chile, to Paraguay and to Argentina.

In 19th century Giuseppe took part in Valdichiana reclamation, by acting directly on his own lands. He was one of the first “Vino Nobile” producers as mentioned in some of the business books of the time. His son Stefano carried on the promotion of Montepulciano wine and olive oil throughout Italy and abroad.

During 20th century, Mario together with his wife Lydia and their sons and daughters Gian Stefano, Maria Vittoria, Gigliola and Alamanno have been upholding the family honour in the local community and improving the production techniques of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Andrea, Ginevra and Damiano in the agricultural and wine business; Eleonora as promoter of the Historic Residence as a venue for cultural, musical, social and entrepreneurial events; Niccolò on the other hand, General Director of AIRC with his main office in Milan, moved to Rome with his family, but his commitment to and involvement with his Montepulciano roots remain integral to his life.