The Italian noble family de’ Medici from Florence in Tuscany originated from merchants and bankers. They rose from a wealthy but insignificant family to one of the most influential Italian dynasties of the 15th and 16th centuries through skillful maneuvering and brutal intrigue. The Medici acquired their wealth primarily in the textile trade. Florence became the center of medieval European trade and finance under the Medici and one of the wealthiest cities of that time. It is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Inextricably linked to Tuscan history, the family promoted art, science, and viticulture. From it emerged Grand Dukes of Tuscany, three Popes, and two Queens of France. Lorenzo I - "El Magnifico" is regarded as the founder of the ruling dynasty. He led the city to its highest economic and cultural flourishing. From the beginning of the 16th century, Tuscany was unified and in 1569 elevated to a Grand Duchy by Pope Pius V under Cosimo III. Giovanni de’ Medici became the first Pope from the family as Leo X, followed by his cousin Giulio as Clement VII. His nephew Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici ruled as Pope Leo XI for only a few weeks; with him, the "older line" died out. The "younger line" was founded by Duke Cosimo I. Viticulture Grand Duke Cosimo III introduced 150 grape varieties in Tuscany, including Uva Francesca (Cabernet Sauvignon). However, according to another version, the import occurred much earlier through Caterina de’ Medici, who is especially known for the infamous "St. Bartholomew's Night." That was the year when, at the age of 14, she married the later King Henry II and became Queen of France. Under Cosimo III, the boundaries for the wine-growing areas Carmignano, Chianti (then part of Chianti-Classico), Pomino, and Valdarno di Sopra (Val d’Arno di Sopra) were established in 1716, thus they are among the oldest official designations of origin in Europe.
