Nonino

Granted, the famous Nonino grappa house was founded 120 years ago by a man. It was then that Orazio Nonino, who had spent years travelling through the villages of Friuli with his mobile spirit still, settled in Percoto to set up his own distillery. Much later, in 1973, his descendants, Giannola and Benito Nonino, caused a real revolution when, to the consternation of traditionalists, they distilled a single-variety grappa from the local Picolit grape for the first time, causing a worldwide sensation. The committed couple successfully fought for indigenous grape varieties that were in danger of vanishing, such as Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe, Pignolo and Ribolla gialla, but also for respect for the terroirs and the honest, traditional craft of distilling.

Since then, the inventive duo has handed over the management of the flourishing company to their three daughters, Cristina, Antonella and Elisabetta. The three accomplished women are driven by the same ambition as their parents: they strive to produce the best grappa in the world! Evidently they are succeeding: Meininger Verlag named Nonino «Spirituosenunternehmer des Jahres» (Spirits Entrepreneur of the Year) in 2017.