Distilleria Nardini joins the Association of Italian Historical Trademarks

Enrolled in the Register of Historical Trademarks of National Interest on April 11, 2023, Distilleria Nardini is Italy’s first distillery and one of the most emblematic realities of the national production tradition, with a history spanning more than two centuries of innovation, territory and distillate culture.

The origins of the Nardini family date back to 1739, the year Bortolo Nardini was born in Segonzano, in the Cembra Valley, an area with a strong wine vocation. In a context where distillation of pomace was a widespread and often itinerant practice, Bortolo undertook this traditional craft, pushing as far as Bassano del Grappa, destined to become the heart of his enterprise.

In 1779, following a fortuitous event that forced him to stop in the city, Bortolo Nardini sensed the strategic potential of Bassano as a commercial crossroads. He bought the Osteria al Ponte, now Grapperia Nardini, transforming it into the first stable place of grappa production. For the first time, it was no longer the distiller who moved with his mobile still, but the producers who contributed the pomace: thus was born the “Aquavite di vinaccia,” now known as Grappa Nardini.

Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the distillery was able to constantly innovate its production processes. In 1860 it introduced the steam still, a decisive turning point for the quality of the distillate. In 1910 Grappa Riserva was born, aged in oak barrels according to a method inspired by cognac, while in 1919 the double rectification technique was introduced, allowing for greater product purity.

In 1963 Distilleria Nardini took a further step forward with vacuum steam distillation, an innovation that made it possible to preserve the organoleptic characteristics of the pomace and to obtain a unique and unmistakable aromatic profile. In the early 2000s, the company also opened up to the culture of mixology, promoting grappa in blending internationally and contributing to the spread of new ways of consuming the distillate.

In 2019, on the occasion of the distillery’s 240th anniversary, Grappa Riserva 22 Anni Single Cask Selezione Bortolo Nardini is introduced, an expression of a further level of qualitative research and refinement. Even today, the Nardini family continues its activity now in its seventh generation, keeping alive a tradition that has made grappa an icon of Made in Italy around the world.

With more than 240 years of history, Distilleria Nardini has also joined the exclusive club of bicentennial family businesses “Les Henokiens,” confirming its unique role in the international industrial scene.

By joining the Association of Italian Historical Trademarks, Distilleria Nardini contributes to strengthening the heritage of expertise, tradition and production culture represented by Historical Trademarks, authentic witnesses of the country’s excellence and industrial identity.

www.nardini.it