Tosolini

Italian distilling often lives in the shadow of whisky and Cognac conversations, which is a shame because producers like Tosolini have been making remarkably characterful spirits for generations.

Founded in Friuli by Bepi Tosolini after the Second World War, the distillery became particularly known for helping modernise grappa production. At a time when grappa still carried a reputation for being fairly brutal, Tosolini focused on cleaner distillation, better raw materials and considerably more elegance.

Grappa remains central to the range. Made from fresh grape pomace sourced from regional vineyards, the spirits often show floral notes, orchard fruit, herbs and spice rather than overwhelming alcohol heat. The distillery also produces liqueurs, gin and other spirits built around local ingredients.

Friuli itself plays an important role. Sitting in Italy’s northeast near the Slovenian border, the region is famous for both wine and fruit production, giving distillers access to excellent raw material from the start.

Good grappa remains one of Italy’s most underrated drinks categories. Tosolini has spent decades making a fairly convincing case for why people should pay more attention.