Region

Founded in 1897 by Orazio Nonino in the Friuli region of Italy, Nonino has changed the way the world views grappa. Today, current proprietor Benito Nonino and his wife Giannola, together with their three daughters Cristina, Antonella and Elisabetta, continue to lead Italian distillers through their devotion to research, quality and innovation. In 1973, the Noninos crafted the first ever single-vineyard, single grape varietal grappa with their Grappa Nonino Cru Monovitigno Picolit. Picolit was a huge success, triggering many of the industry’s current trends. Then, in 1984, Benito and Giannola solidified their status as industry leaders by introducing the world’s first single-vineyard, single-grape distillate produced using whole grape clusters. This product was named in Friulan dialect ÙE (pronounced “Oo-ay”), further revolutionized the industry and introduced distillates with uniquely intense aroma and flavor components. Today, Nonino’s extensive product line revolves around their award winning grappas and revolutionary ÙEs. Presented in elegant bottles – most of which are hand blown – it is no wonder that Nonino grappas and ÙEs are some of the most sought-after distillates in the world today. The Nonino Family personally takes care of the purchase of the primary products and follows the various phases of distillation to guarantee the maximun quality of the distillate. Since 1952 the Nonino Distillery’s aging cellars has held small barrels made from a variety of woods: today they boast 1400 barrels made from Never and Limousin oak, Grésigne, former Sherry barrels, Acacia, Wild Cherry and Pear to preserve the precious Nonino distillates: Grappa and ÙE.

On 4th December 2003 the President of the Italian Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, awards Giannola and Benito Nonino the prestigious Leonardo Prize for Italian Quality for “the absolute Quality level, Research and Innovations… The Noninos are well-known, true Ambassadors for Italian Grappa throughout the world”.