Certaldo. 1921. Emilio Viani launched his career as a livestock broker and established himself in the market, both for his rigorous and competent selection of oxen and cows, and for his fairness in negotiating at a time when deals depended on a promise and a handshake ; he swept up deals across the region earning him the nickname ” grenata ” (the broom). Business was good.  After the end of World War II, his son Danilo diversi ed from livestock broking into the wholesale of beef and thus expanded his business to cover the whole Tuscany.

During the same period, the Zanoboni and Mazzucchielli families, who lived on the two facing hills a few miles from Certaldo, continued a long farming tradition in the production of wine and Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Umberto Zanoboni and Amendola Mazzucchielli united their destinies and made their home exactly halfway between their respective hills.  And during the 50s, they had two children Donella and Antonella…

Years later, Raffaello Viani, son of Danilo, continued the family business in the food industry, opening a small Salumi cio (cured pork factory), and trading Pecorino Toscano cheese and other Tuscan delicacies.  Meanwhile, Donella Zanoboni helped her parents on their farm whilst  nishing her studies… until one day, in 1974, Raffaello caught sight of her across the Tuscan hills; the beginning of a love story that brought two great Tuscan families together with their ensuing marriage.