Best Trentino Spirit/Liqueur Types
Italian grappa is distilled from fermented pomace—solid components of grapes that are left after the juice has been pressed. The taste profile of grappa varies, and each variety is distinguished for their unique character that depends on the choice of raw materials, distillation, as well as nature and the length of maturation.
The basic distinction is made between grappa bianca, which is aged in stainless steel, and golden varieties that are traditionally aged in large barrels. Through history, grappa was mainly associated with northern parts of Italy, but today it is produced throughout the country.
THE BEST Grappa Spirits
Distilleria Sibona
Grappa Riserva Botti Da Madeira
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2020
Distilleria Sibona
Grappa Riserva Botti Da Rum
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2021
Distillerie Peroni Maddalena
Grappa Chardonnay Invecchiata Riserva Oro
Best Aged Grappa - Winner 2023
Cappelletti is an Italian wine-based aperitif that is colored with natural carmine and infused with various Alpine herbs. The drink originated in 1920, and it is still produced following the original secret recipe based on white wine and a selection of herbs and spices.
Cappelletti is a bitter red liqueur with 17% ABV. It has a light bittersweet character with a fruity aroma that is partnered with herbal and spice-like notes. It can be enjoyed on its own, served chilled over ice, but it is also a great ingredient in cocktails, best suited for Spritz Veneziano and other spritz-like variations.
Grappa dell'Alto Adige, also known as Südtiroler Grappa PGI, is a grape marc spirit produced exclusively from grapes grown and vinified in the Südtirol/Alto Adige region of Italy. The production area includes the entire territory of the Autonomous Province of Südtirol/Alto Adige.
This grappa is made by directly distilling fermented or semi-fermented pomace from local wine production, using either continuous or discontinuous distillation systems. The distillation may involve direct steam, direct flame, or indirect steam after adding water to the still.
Grappa del Trentino, also known as Grappa Trentina, is a grape marc spirit produced exclusively within the autonomous province of Trento, Italy. This spirit is crafted by distilling well-preserved fermented or semi-fermented grape skins, known as pomace, derived from locally grown and vinified grapes.
The distillation process employs traditional discontinuous (batch) methods, often utilizing steam or adding water directly into the alembic still. Notably, Tullio Zadra, a coppersmith from Trentino, perfected the "bain-marie batch distillation method" in the 1950s and 60s, a technique still in use today.
Grappa di mirtilli (schwarzbeerschnaps) is a blueberry liqueur prepared by macerating fresh blueberries in grappa or neutral spirit. The liqueur is sweetened and left to macerate for several weeks. It is then filtered and bottled. The resulting drink has a sweet flavor, a fruity aroma, and purple hue.
It is a seasonal product prepared during the summer when fresh blueberries are available. Although commercially produced versions are available, it is mostly a homemade liqueur. Schwarzbeerschnaps (grappa di mirtilli) is listed as a PAT (Italian regional food product) of Trentino-Alto Adige.
Latschenschnaps is a pine liqueur traditionally produced in Alto Adige – Südtirol. It is made with young, freshly picked pine cones macerated in grappa. The macerate is diluted, sweetened, filtered, and then bottled. The drink is made with the cones of the mountain pine, which is typical for the area.
The maceration typically lasts 40 days, and the resulting liqueur has a golden amber color and a herbal aroma. The drink is available as a commercially produced liqueur or as a homemade beverage. It is best served well-chilled, and it is usually enjoyed neat.
Pasubio is an alpine-style liqueur from Alto Adige. It is made with a wine base enriched with Pinus mugo pine, herbs, and wild blueberries. This amaro is rich, smooth, and pleasantly bitter. The aroma is herbal, reminiscent of pine and Alpine herbs, with hints of earthy notes and a touch of mint.
Pasubio can be served chilled or at room temperature. It is best enjoyed neat, preferably as a digestif. Pasubio is produced by Antica Erboristeria Cappelletti in Aldeno, Trentino. It was introduced in the early 20th century, and it is bottled at 17% ABV.
Sfumato Rabarbaro is a type of amaro that hails from Trentino. It is made with various botanicals macerated in a neutral spirit, but the main flavoring comes from Chinese rhubarb—hence the name. This amaro is richly flavored and complex.
It has an intense earthy aroma reminiscent of fruit jams, candied oranges, and herbs. The flavor is bittersweet with spicy and smoky notes, while the finish is long and has caramel and molasses-like notes. Sfumato can be served neat or on the rocks, and it is best enjoyed as a digestif, but it can also work well in cocktails and long drinks.
Best Trentino Spirit/Liqueur Producers
Distilleria Leonardelli is a renowned Italian distillery located in Trento, within the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, an area famous for its deep-rooted traditions in fine distillation. Founded with a passion for craftsmanship and quality, the distillery specializes in producing premium grappas and other traditional spirits, reflecting the essence of Italian heritage and expertise.
At Distilleria Leonardelli, production combines time-honored artisanal techniques with modern innovation, ensuring that each product is crafted with exceptional care. The use of local grape pomace, sourced from the vineyards of Trentino, ensures authenticity and a strong connection to the land.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Distilleria Leonardelli Spirits
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
BEST Distilleria Alpina Spirits
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Pomace Brandy Gold Trophy
2019
BEST Distilleria Segnana Spirits
Roner Distillerie, an Italian family-owned distillery with over 75 years of experience, specializes in artisanal spirits crafted in South Tyrol. They are renowned for high-quality grappas, fruit liqueurs, and innovative products like R74 Rum, using traditional methods and premium ingredients.
Roner prioritizes sustainability and proudly celebrates South Tyrolean culture through their products.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2020
Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold
2020
BEST Roner Spirits
Best Trentino Spirits and Liqueurs
Gin Foglia by Distilleria Leonardelli is a premium Italian gin that showcases the distillery's dedication to craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Produced in the scenic Trentino-Alto Adige region, this gin is meticulously crafted using a carefully selected blend of botanicals, with a particular focus on natural ingredients that reflect the essence of the local terroir.
The star of Gin Foglia is its harmonious infusion of juniper berries, complemented by the fresh and aromatic notes of select herbs and botanicals, including citrus peel and delicate hints of alpine plants. Its smooth and refined character delivers a vibrant and well-balanced flavor profile, with crisp juniper at the forefront, subtle herbal undertones, and a clean, refreshing finish.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Gin Scorza by Distilleria Leonardelli is a refined and aromatic Italian gin that celebrates the vibrant essence of citrus fruits in perfect harmony with traditional botanicals. Produced in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, this gin is crafted with meticulous care, combining the distillery's deep-rooted expertise with a modern, creative twist.
The defining feature of Gin Scorza is its bold infusion of citrus peels ("scorza" means peel in Italian), which provide an invigorating freshness and zesty character. The carefully selected botanicals, including juniper berries, aromatic herbs, and spices, are artfully balanced to deliver a bright and complex flavor profile.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Pomace Brandy Gold Trophy
2019
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
The Caldiff Privat Aged Gravensteiner Apple Distillate by Roner is a premium apple spirit aged for three years using the Solera method in wooden barrels. This process imparts warm, velvety notes of vanilla, ripe apple, and mild wood tones, creating a harmonious and lingering finish.
It’s best enjoyed at 18°C, paired with dark chocolate, dried fruit, or young cheeses.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2020
R74 Rum Aged by Roner is crafted from Central American sugar cane molasses, aged for five years in Caldiff apple barrels to create rich, harmonious flavors of plum, cinnamon, raisins, and almond. This amber-colored rum combines Caribbean flair with Italian craftsmanship and has won multiple international awards.
It pairs well with dark chocolate or apple strudel and is best served at room temperature.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold
2020
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