TOP GRAPPA PRODUCER NONINO AWARDS FOR PEACE
Fifty years ago, in 1973, the historic distillery of Benito and Giannola Nonino a Ronchi di Percoto (Fruili) revolutionized the process for making grappa, a local pomace brandy-style liqueur, transforming it from a rough and potent spirit mostly quaffed by workmen and farmers in the colder northern Italian regions, into a refined and gourmet product appreciated worldwide.
Instead of using the vinaccia, the residual pomace left after the juice of the grapes had been extracted for wine processing, they concentrated on distilling only the residuals of the local Picolit vine, creating an exclusive “monovitigno” or single vine-based liqueur.
The process was an instant success and launched grappa worldwide, as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.
Subsequently, the Nonino family, who descended from a long tradition of distillers, instituted an annual award, originally to encourage the cultivation of original grape stocks that were in danger of extinction. This prize has now developed into a major award with worldwide scope, nominating peace promoters, humanitarian organizations and international conservationists.
This year's 51st edition took place in the Castle of Udine, and was open to the public. Awards went to the academic and pacifist Elo Floramo and the Cooperative INSIEME “Fruiti di Pace” (Fruits of Peace), the French doctor Rony Brauman, former President of Medicins Sans Frontiers, the Argentinian-born Canadian-naturalized writer and translator Alberto Manguel and Professor Naomi Oreskes for her studies of the role of science in our present society and the reality of climate change.
Sadly, the head of the family, Benito Nonino, passed away this year in July at the age of 90. He is succeeded by his wife and three daughters, all active in carrying on the business.
STENHOUSE
Info: Tel. +39.0432.675242 www.grappanonino.it premiononino@nonino.it