Nonino Grappa Cru Monovitigno Picolit 750mL

Nonino Grappa Cru Monovitigno Picolit

Single-Varietal Grappa | Picolit Grape Pomace | Friuli, Italy | Copper Steam-Still Distillation | Stainless-Steel Rest | 50% ABV | 100 Proof | 750mL

Process & Profile

Nonino Picolit Cru Monovitigno is an unaged Italian grappa built around one grape variety from Friuli. Its story reaches back to December 1, 1973, when Benito and Giannola Nonino distilled Picolit pomace separately to create their first Monovitigno grappa. The expression remains closely tied to the family’s focus on preserving the aromas of the grape rather than covering them with barrel flavors.

Fresh Picolit pomace from the Nonino family’s Friuli selection is fermented in stainless steel and distilled in batches using copper steam stills. Careful separation of heads and tails and a slow distillation process help retain the fragrant heart of the spirit. It then rests for six months to a year in stainless-steel tanks before bottling, allowing the components to settle into balance without oak maturation.

Clear in appearance and bottled at 50% ABV, Picolit Cru combines floral lift with ripe fruit and a persistent finish. Honeycomb, acacia blossom, quince, and fig lead into an elegant palate with a subtle bread-crust note. Its distinctive hand-blown glass phial, silver-plated stopper, and hanging tag make the presentation as recognizable as the spirit inside.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Acacia flowers, honeycomb, ripe quince, fresh muscat-like fruit, and figs.
• Palate: Floral and ripe-fruit aromas carry through with notes of apricot, almond, and freshly baked bread crust.
• Finish: Persistent and fragrant, with a lasting balance of fruit and floral character.

What Makes It Special

• Single-varietal identity: Distilled from Picolit grape pomace rather than a blend of grape varieties.
• Friuli origins: Uses a rare local grape selected for its distinctive aromatic character.
• Batch copper distillation: Traditional steam stills and careful heads-and-tails cuts shape the spirit.
• Rested in stainless steel: Preserves a clear, grape-led style without oak-barrel flavor.
• 50% ABV: A 100-proof expression for a measured, aromatic tasting.
• Hand-blown bottle: The rounded glass phial and silver-plated stopper are signature details of this release.

How to Enjoy

Serve a small pour at approximately 12°C (54°F) in an open tulip-shaped glass. Give it a few minutes in the glass before tasting so the floral and fruit aromas can unfold. Sip slowly, returning to the nose between tastes to explore the balance of honeycomb, quince, and fig.

Nonino suggests pairing Picolit Cru with San Daniele prosciutto and fig mostarda. For a relaxed after-dinner tasting, try it alongside a small selection of savory bites, keeping accompaniments simple enough to leave its delicate aromas in focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Monovitigno mean?
   It means a single grape variety. This grappa is distilled from Picolit pomace, highlighting the character of that variety from Friuli.

2. Is Nonino Picolit Cru barrel aged?
   No. This is the clear, unaged Picolit Cru expression. After distillation it rests in stainless-steel tanks for six months to a year; it is distinct from Nonino’s aged Picolit Gran Riserva releases.

3. What is grappa made from?
   Grappa is distilled from grape pomace, the solid grape material remaining from winemaking. Nonino uses selected Picolit pomace for this expression.

4. What size and strength is this bottle?
   This listing is for the 750mL bottle at 50% alcohol by volume, equivalent to 100 proof. The number 100 in the distributor’s name refers to proof.

5. Where can I buy Nonino Picolit Cru Monovitigno Grappa?
   You can purchase Nonino Grappa Cru Monovitigno Picolit 750mL from The Barrel Tap. Check the listing for current availability and delivery options.