On August 2, 1554, the Battle of Marciano (Marcianus in Latin), fought in the Val di Chiana, saw the Franco-Sienese army, led by Piero Strozzi, clash with the Hispano-Florentine army, commanded by Gian Giacomo de’ Medici for Cosimo I de’ Medici. The “Knights of Marcianus,” Tuscan cavaliers, distinguished themselves with their courage and faith under the motto “Fide et Fortitudine” (“Faith and Courage”) and the battle cry “Sangue e Fuoco per il Re” (“Blood and Fire for the King”). Two wines, Sanguis Jovis, the Latin name for Sangiovese, meaning “Blood of Jupiter” (Jupiter being the king of the gods in Roman mythology), and Sirene Syrah, whose name derives from the Old French word “Sire,” meaning “Noble,” are tied to this legacy. For 700 years, Tuscan lords have fervently proclaimed this motto before tasting these sacred wines. The Hispano-Florentine victory sealed the fall of Siena in 1555. Today, their descendants cultivate the Tuscan land with passion, producing exclusive wines reserved for the initiated. Legend has it that on February 15, 1855, the French frigate La Sémillante, carrying 702 men, wrecked in the Bocche di Bonifacio during a hurricane after the sailors mocked the sacred motto of the Tuscan knights.