A single-varietal grappa from the Nonino distillery of Percoto, Udine, in Friuli — founded in 1897 by Orazio Nonino, and revolutionized in December 1973, when Benito and Giannola Nonino created the world's first single-varietal grappa, Monovitigno® Nonino, transforming grappa from a humble spirit into a category of its own. Today the third generation — Cristina, Antonella, and Elisabetta Nonino — continue the family's work, distilling in five artisanal discontinuous copper steam stills designed by Benito, one for each family member. Il Merlot is distilled from fresh, destalked Merlot pomace from dedicated Friuli production zones, fermented in vacuum-sealed stainless steel at controlled temperature and distilled immediately to preserve the grape's primary aromas, with head and tail cuts keeping only the heart of the distillate. Rested 6 months to 1 year in stainless steel — never oak — to protect the fruit's character.
Nose: Crystalline, soft and round, with scents of rose petals and cherry stones; the fresh bouquet recalls must pressing.
Palate: Round and typical, with dry hay, toasted almond, ripe pear, and pepper spice.
Finish: Sweet almond, faint rose petal, white pepper, and lemon pie.
Serve: At about 12°C in an icy open tulip-shaped glass; let it rest a few minutes to oxygenate and complete the nose-palate harmony.
Awards: Chairman's Trophy, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2010; Nonino named Spirit Brand / Distiller of the Year 2019 by Wine Enthusiast — the first grappa house ever so honored.
ABV: 41% (82 Proof)
