My Latest in Paste Magazine:
“Firebrand Francesca Nonino On Being Brave With Amaro and Grappa”
By L.M. Archer
As wine sales decline, spirits sales soar, particularly among younger drinkers, and trendy amaro and grappa cocktails are no exception.
In this exclusive interview for Paste Magazine, sixth-generation firebrand Francesca Nonino of Nonino in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region sits down with contributor L. M. Archer to explain the difference between amaro vs. grappa, when to drink it and how to drink it.
She also dishes on growing up in the family grappa and amaro business, plus the buzz behind its popular #BeBraveMixGrappa! international cocktail movement and how to read a liquor label correctly.
(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
LMA: What’s the difference between amaro and grappa?
Francesca Nonino: Amaro and grappa are very distinct, yet complementary, expressions of Italian distillation, each showcasing unique traditions and flavors.
Grappa is a spirit distilled from the pomace of grapes (the leftover skins and seeds from winemaking). At Nonino Distillatori, we like to say it captures the pure essence of the grape varietals used, thanks to our family’s single varietal approach my grandmother and grandfather pioneered in 1973. Our grappa is characterized by aromatic intensity and a smooth finish, a testament to our meticulous distillation process.
On the other hand, amaro is a bittersweet herbal liqueur infused with a blend of botanicals, roots and spices. The result is a velvety, complex amaro that offers a balanced interplay of bitterness and sweetness.
You could say that grappa celebrates the purity of the grape, while amaro offers a symphony of botanical flavors, but they both represent craftsmanship and innovation.
LMA: How does your family’s amaro and grappa differ from others on the market?
Francesca Nonino: Nonino grappa stands out because of its unique production process, which truly focuses on preserving the freshness and aromatics of the pomace. READ MORE HERE.
I’m thrilled to share my interview with Francesca Nonino in Paste Magazine with you here.
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