ANSA reports that Vittorio Frescobaldi, patriarch of one of Italy’s most historically important winemaking families, has died aged 97. Born in Florence in 1928 and representing the thirty-first generation of the Frescobaldi family, he played a major role in the development of the family’s Tuscan wine business and was appointed Cavaliere del Lavoro in 1977 in recognition of his work in agriculture. His death marks the passing of a leading figure from the generation that helped establish modern Italian fine wine internationally.
Obituaries
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Sam Neill, founder of Two Paddocks and Jurassic Park star, dies aged 78
The Drinks Business reports that actor and winemaker Sam Neill has died suddenly aged 78, leaving a significant legacy in New Zealand wine through Two Paddocks. Neill established the Central Otago estate in 1993 and developed it into a respected organic producer specialising in site-specific Pinot Noir, with vineyards across Gibbston, Alexandra and Bannockburn.