The Italian noble family de' Medici (Mediceans) from Florence had its origins in merchants and bankers. They rose through skilful tactics and brutal intrigue from a wealthy but insignificant family to become one of the most influential Italian dynasties of the 15th and 16th centuries. Florence, under the Medici, became the centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the most prosperous cities of the time. It is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Inseparably linked with Tuscan history, the family promoted art, science and viticulture. Lorenzo I (1449-1492), known as "El Magnifico" (the Magnificent), is considered the founder of the ruling dynasty. He led the city to its highest economic and cultural prosperity. From the beginning of the 16th century Tuscany was united and in 1569 under Cosimo III. (1642-1723), it was elevated to a grand duchy by Pope Pius V (1504-1572).
Giovanni de' Medici (1475-1521) became the first pope from the family as Leo X, followed by his cousin Giulio as Clement VII. (1523-1534). His nephew Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici (1535-1605) reigned 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 (1519-1574). The aforementioned grandson, Grand Duke Cosimo III, introduced 150 grape varieties in Tuscany, including Uva Francesca (Cabernet Sauvignon). According to another version, however, the variety was imported much earlier by Caterina de' Medici (1519-1589), who is best known for the infamous "St Bartholomew's Night". That was the year in which, at the age of 14, she married the future King Henry II and became French queen. In 1716, under Cosimo III, the boundaries for the wine-growing areas of Carmignano, Chianti (at that time the Chianti-Classico part), Pomino and Valdarno di Sopra (Val d'Arno di Sopra) were established, making these some of the oldest official designations of origin in Europe.
