Wineries
Nonino Distillery: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Jul
9Located in the picturesque region of Friuli, Italy, the Nonino Distillery stands as a symbol of the art of distillation, an expertise meticulously honed over more than 125 years of dedication and passion. Founded in 1897 by Orazio Nonino in Ronchi di Percoto, this family-run distillery has evolved from a simple mobile alembic on wheels to a world-renowned institution in the realm of grappa. The Nonino family has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, transforming the perception and quality of grappa while preserving its deep-rooted traditions.
Revolutionizing the World of Grappa
The year 1973 marked a significant turning point for the Nonino Distillery and the world of grappa as a whole. It was then that the Nonino family introduced the concept of Monovitigno® Nonino, a pioneering approach involving the separate distillation of Picolit grape pomace. This innovation not only elevated the quality of grappa but also highlighted the distinctive characteristics of individual grape varieties. In doing so, the Noninos set a new standard for grappa production, attracting attention and admiration from connoisseurs and experts worldwide.
In 1984, the family took another bold step with the creation of ÙE®, the Acquavite d’Uva. This unique product, made by distilling grape skins, pulp, and juice together, was a tribute to their daughters Cristina, Antonella, and Elisabetta. ÙE® represents a perfect blend of the elegance of wine distillates and the robust character of grappa, further cementing Nonino’s reputation as an innovator in the field.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
One of the distinctive aspects of the Nonino Distillery is its unwavering commitment to tradition, combined with a strong inclination towards innovation. Although the distillation process is deeply rooted in traditional methods, involving five artisanal distilleries each equipped with 12 copper steam discontinuous stills, the family has embraced modern technologies to enhance quality and efficiency. This careful balance ensures that while staying true to its heritage, the distillery also meets the evolving demands of the contemporary market.
Meticulous attention to detail extends to the aging process, where Nonino grappas and other distillates are naturally aged in barriques and small casks. This process takes place under the strict supervision of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, ensuring the authenticity and high quality of the product. In the seven aging warehouses, there are 2,620 barriques made from fine woods such as Nevers Oak, Limousin, Grésigne, and other traditional essences, contributing to the unique aromatic profiles of Nonino’s offerings.
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
The Nonino Distillery’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The prestigious Nonino Risit d’Aur Prize, established in 1975, has played a crucial role in promoting and recognizing ancient indigenous Friulian grape varieties. This award has even anticipated the selections of the Nobel Prize on six occasions, highlighting the cultural and social impact of the Nonino family’s work.
In recent years, Nonino’s innovative spirit has continued to shine. The Nonino BotanicalDrink was named Aperitif of the Year for three consecutive years at the Meininger’s International Spirits Award. Meanwhile, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia® RISERVA received the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirit Challenge, underscoring the distillery’s position as a leader in the spirits industry.
As the Nonino Distillery moves forward, it remains a beacon of Italian excellence, blending tradition and innovation to create distillates that are celebrated worldwide. With each bottle, the Nonino family shares not only a product but a piece of their rich heritage and their relentless pursuit of quality and excellence.
