Distilleria Nonino

Distilleria Nonino, a renowned Italian family-owned distillery, was founded in 1897 by Orazio Nonino in Ronchi di Percoto, a village in the Friuli region of northeastern Italy. The operation began modestly, focusing on distilling pomace from local grapes using a mobile copper still before establishing a fixed premises. The family's commitment to distillation has spanned six generations, with a significant relocation to Percoto in 1928 under Antonio Nonino.

A pivotal moment in the distillery's history occurred in 1973 when Benito and Giannola Nonino revolutionized the grappa industry by introducing Monovitigno®, the world's first single-varietal grappa, distilled exclusively from the pomace of the Picolit grape. This innovation transformed grappa from a rustic spirit into a high-quality, artisanal product. Furthering their pioneering spirit, in 1984, they launched ÙE®, the first grape distillate made from whole grapes, including skin, pulp, and juice. Today, the distillery is led by the third generation of women in the family—Cristina, Antonella, and Elisabetta Nonino—who continue to uphold the legacy of innovation and quality.

Nonino is celebrated for its premium grappa, amaro, and other artisanal spirits, including grape, fruit, and honey distillates. The distillery operates five specialized artisanal facilities, each equipped with 12 copper batch steam stills, totaling 66 stills, ensuring a 100% artisanal distillation process. They meticulously select fresh pomace from local Friulian grape varieties like Refosco and Ribolla Gialla, ensuring the distillate captures the region's unique terroir. Aging takes place naturally in 2,734 barriques and small casks made from various woods, including Nevers, Limousin, and ex-Sherry. It is important to note that while the initial context mentioned whiskey, Distilleria Nonino is not known for producing whiskey; their expertise lies in grape-based and other fruit/honey distillates.

What makes Distilleria Nonino distinctive is its unwavering commitment to innovation while preserving Friulian heritage. Their pioneering efforts in single-varietal grappa and whole-grape distillates set new industry standards. The family also established the Nonino Risit d'Aur Prize in 1975 to promote and preserve endangered ancient Friulian vine varieties, demonstrating a deep connection to their agricultural roots. This blend of tradition, innovation, and family leadership has earned them global recognition.

Distilleria Nonino has received numerous accolades, solidifying its status as a leader in the spirits world. In 2019, Wine Enthusiast magazine named it "Distillery of the Year" at the Wine Star Awards, marking the first time a grappa producer received this honor. Their Grappa Nonino Cru Monovitigno Picolit earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2008. Other notable achievements include the Leonardo Quality Italy Prize in 2003, and their Amaro Nonino Quintessentia® being a celebrated ingredient in cocktails. The L'Aperitivo Nonino Botanical Drink has also been recognized as Aperitif of the Year for three consecutive years at the International Spirits Award.