omino is a relatively small zone in the territory of the commune of Rufina in the province of Florence. But size has had no influence on the excellent quality and reputation of its wines. Pomino was counted among the four major districts in Tuscany capable of producing premium wine in a decree issued in 1716 by the Grand Duke. And the document included a disciplinary code for the protection of the wine's quality.Scientist and writer Francesco Redi observed that "the Pomino district has become famous in Tuscan enology for the exquisite quality of the wines obtained from the grapes grown on its limestone slopes. And it is there that the Albizi and the bishops of Florence have maintained estates since times quite remote." It was precisely in that period that the Albizi family played a major role in establishing the reputation of the area's wines. In the 16th century, some members of that Florentine family were exiled because of a fierce political dispute and took refuge in Provence.
In the 19th century, their descendants returned to Florence and resumed possession of their lands. Acting on the basis of their experience in French viticulture, they introduced some noble varieties, including Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as enological techniques that had been developed in France. Giuseppe Cusmano placed the wines of Pomino on his list of the finest products of Tuscany in his dictionary of viticulture and enology, published in 1889.
