Grappa Nonino Monovitigno Vendemmia Millesimata Italy 70 cl 40%

The harvest is caught in the glass before it can become anything but pomace. The Nonino family distils the fresh vinaccia from Pinot and Malvasia grapes straight away, so the character of the whole vintage travels all the way to the bottle.

Expert description

Grappa Nonino Monovitigno Vendemmia Millesimata is an Italian Grappa distilled from fresh pomace of Pinot and Malvasia grapes and bottled at 40% ABV without any cask ageing.

The Nonino family has distilled in Percoto in Friuli-Venezia Giulia since 1897, when Orazio Nonino settled down after years of travelling with a still mounted on wheels. Today the family runs five of its own distilleries with 60 copper stills between them, and is credited as the inventor of single-varietal grappa: on 1 December 1973, Benito and Giannola Nonino distilled the pomace of a single grape variety on its own for the first time, starting with Picolit, and turned grappa's reputation as a rustic by-product on its head.

The Vendemmia range brings together several of the house's Monovitigno grappas – here Pinot and Malvasia – each distilled separately and then united in one cuvée, its label carrying the year of the harvest. The pomace is collected fresh and soft straight from winemaking and distilled within a few hours, avoiding the long fermentation that would otherwise bring off-flavours and a higher methanol content. The grappa then rests for six months to a year in stainless steel before bottling without any added colour.

Tasting notes

Nose

Soft and floral with a touch of pastry, closer to a freshly baked bun than to a traditional, sharp grappa.

Palate

Elegant and fruity on the palate, with notes of apricot, green apple and raisin gliding cleanly across the tongue.

Finish

The finish is short to medium, dry and refreshing, with a light sweetness that points back to the fresh grape.

Specifications

Name: Grappa Nonino Monovitigno Vendemmia Millesimata
Distillery: Nonino
Region/Country: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Type: Italian Grappa
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 cl
Distillation method: 100% distilled with artisanal method in copper stills
EAN no.: 8002092015841
Serving suggestion: At about 12°C in a closed tulip glass

Flavour profile

Floral · Apricot · Green apple · Raisin · Soft pastry

Did you know?

Nonino is one of the few grappa producers to clearly state the harvest vintage on the label, a transparency the family has practised since single-varietal grappa was born in 1973.

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Frequently asked questions about Grappa Nonino Monovitigno Vendemmia Millesimata

What does "monovitigno" mean?

Monovitigno means "single grape variety" and describes a grappa distilled from the pomace of only one grape variety at a time, rather than a blend. The Nonino family invented the concept in 1973.

Which grapes go into Vendemmia Millesimata?

The grappa is a cuvée of single-varietal grappa distilled separately from Pinot and Malvasia grapes and then united, so both varieties come through in the final blend.

Should this grappa be served chilled?

Yes, it is best enjoyed at around 12°C in a narrow, closed tulip glass that gathers the aromas, giving the grappa a couple of minutes of air before the first sip.

Why does the bottle carry a vintage year?

"Millesimata" indicates that the grappa comes from one specific harvest. Nonino has a tradition of clearly stating the production year on the label, unlike most other grappa producers.

What food pairs well with this grappa?

It works well with cream-based desserts, ice cream and fresh fruit salad, where its sweetness and soft aromas complement the dish.

How long does an opened bottle keep?

Grappa is a strong spirit with no bottle ageing, so an opened bottle stays in good condition for several years if kept dark, cool and tightly sealed.