Nonino
Nonino is a grappa distillery in Friuli, in northeastern Italy, run by the Nonino family. The house is known for single-grape-variety grappa: in 1973, they released the first grappa distilled solely from picolit. From fresh, fruity grappa to soft, wood-aged riserva.
The family that made grappa serious
Grappa is an Italian spirit made from grape pomace: the skins, seeds and stems left over after grapes are pressed for wine. The pomace still contains juice and aromas, and distilling it produces a clear, powerful drink. The name is protected: genuine grappa comes from Italy and is distilled from Italian pomace. For a long time, it was mainly a simple peasant drink, strong and rough.
Nonino has been distilling grappa in Friuli since 1897. The distillery is still family-owned. In 1973, Benito and Giannola Nonino did something new: they distilled the pomace of a single grape variety separately, the rare Friulian picolit, and released it as monovitigno, grappa made from a single grape. Many other distillers adopted the idea, helping grappa evolve from a peasant drink into a digestif for connoisseurs. The range now includes a fresh, fruity grappa, two wood-aged grappas and two single-grape crus: fragolino and picolit.
In brief
Five grappas, from young and fresh to rich and rare
Clear grappa is young and smells of the grape. Amber-colored grappa has been aged in wood and is softer and rounder. The single-grape crus are the house's top bottles.
Nonino Single Grapes
Elegant and light, with a lovely perfume and notes of apricot, pear and almond. A good introduction to grappa.
Nonino Barriques Aged Selection
Light amber in color from aging in barriques. Vanilla, chocolate and toasted bread on the nose, with chocolate and almond on the palate.
Nonino Vendemmia Riserva
Amber-colored grappa aged for eighteen months in former sherry casks. Aromas of pastry, chocolate and vanilla, with a velvety taste.
Nonino Cru Monovitigno Fragolino
Distilled from the pomace of the fruity Fragolino grape. Fresh strawberries, forest fruits and a hint of flowers.
Nonino Cru Monovitigno Picolit
The grappa that started it all in 1973, made from the rare Picolit grape. Rich aromas of honey, wild flowers and fine fruit, with a soft mouthfeel and a long finish.
From grape pomace to riserva: read all about grappa, the styles and how to drink it.
Grape, flowers and gentle intensity
Fruit & flowers
Young grappa smells of the grape: pear, apricot and white flowers. The wood-aged varieties bring out vanilla, chocolate and pastry, while the cru's reveal honey or red fruit.
Powerful and smooth
Good grappa is powerful without burning. The Single Grapes is light and fresh, the Riserva rounded and velvety. The 50% Picolit is full-bodied and rich.
Dry and long
Grappa finishes dry, with the aroma of the grape lingering for a long time. In the wood-aged bottles, the finish is warmer, with almond and vanilla.
Flavor profile of Nonino Single Grapes. The Barriques and the Vendemmia Riserva score higher for oak, while the Picolit scores higher for intensity.
How to drink Nonino
Drink grappa in small sips, after a meal. Young grappa lightly chilled, aged grappa at room temperature.
Fresh grappa lightly chilled
Serve the Single Grapes or a cru at 9 to 13 degrees, around 3 to 4 cl in a small tulip glass. Serving it too cold masks the grape's aroma, which is exactly what you want to smell.
More about grappa →Aged grappa at room temperature
Drink the Barriques and the Vendemmia Riserva at room temperature, or just below it. Let the glass rest for a moment, smell it first, then take a small sip. This brings out the vanilla and pastry notes best.
Tasting glasses →With or in coffee
In Italy, grappa is often enjoyed after espresso, or a splash is added to coffee: a caffè corretto. Use a young grappa for this; it is best to enjoy the cru's neat.
Coffee cocktails →Grappa at the table
Grappa is first and foremost a digestif, enjoyed after a meal. But with the right bite to eat, it becomes a small dessert in its own right.
After dinner
A small glass of fresh grappa after a rich meal, as is customary in Italy. Its fresh, dry taste cleanses the palate.
Chocolate and pastries
The wood-aged grappas pair with dark chocolate, almond biscuits and nut pastries. The notes of vanilla and chocolate come together beautifully.
Red fruit
Pour the Fragolino with a dessert featuring strawberries or forest fruits, or simply with a bowl of fresh fruit.
Cheese and honey
The rich Picolit pairs with hard, aged cheese and a little honey. Or drink it on its own as an evening digestif.
The right glass for grappa
Drink grappa from a small tulip-shaped stemmed glass. The narrow opening keeps the aroma concentrated, while the stem keeps your hand away from the grappa. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Nonino
Can't find your question here? Read more about grappa or get in touch.
Everything about grappa →What is Nonino?
What is grappa?
What does monovitigno mean?
How much alcohol is in Nonino grappa?
How do you drink grappa?
Which glass do you use for grappa?
Buy Nonino
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Nonino online from Gall & Gall. Gall & Gall has 5 in stock.
Prices as of October 8, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.