Sector growing in 2023 with an extraordinary shower of awards
More than twenty medals have added to the 2023 awards list, and the first estimates for a year that's closing on a positive note. The spirits sector continues to grow, with Mazzetti d’Altavilla, a historic distillery located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Monferrato hills, recording a positive performance in 2023. The distillery, which has achieved significant milestones in the quality and appreciation of Piedmontese spirits, both in Italy and abroad, reports an exciting year. If Christmas is a time for good news, there's no shortage of excellent reasons to celebrate from the world of Mazzetti, starting with the initial figures—still in summary form—from the company's financial statements, which confirm a growth trend that extends to international markets as well, with spirits from Altavilla now exported to all five continents. Among the highlights is the company's entry into new markets such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, while the Ruchè grape variety, a Monferrato gem that enjoys growing success, has entered the top three best-selling grappas, ranking third among Piedmontese single-varietal spirits behind Moscato Barricata and Barolo Riserva. Another significant number is the surpassing 100,000 visits to the five Grappa Store opened by Mazzetti d’Altavilla in the Northwest during 2023, a significant figure that highlights the interest of both Italian and international customers who flock to the spirit's boutiques (the Alba Store even has visitors from as far away as New Zealand and Peru). But another good news that 2023 brings to Mazzetti d’Altavilla is a new record of awards that have come from Italian and international competitions: there are over twenty medals awarded to spirits signed by Mazzetti d’Altavilla among which, at a national level, stand out theAlambicco d'Oro (Best Gold for the Grappa di Barbera and Gold for the Grappa di Moscato and the 1786 Grappa di Moscato perfected in barrels used for Vermouth di Torino, in addition to the certificate of loyalty), Bibenda (5 Grappoli for Le Origini, Grappa di Ruchè Riserva Vigna del Parroco), Spirito Autoctono (Ampolla D'Oro for the Amaro Forte), Mediterraneo Packaging (Le Origini and Oro di Mazzetti), Qualità Italia (First Prize in the Aged Grappa category for 7.0 – Grappa di Ruchè Barricata), Grappa Award (Gold for Le Origini and Silver for Riserva Vitae) and Barawards (Selection of Le Origini for the Bargiornale Innovation of the Year Award). The quality of Mazzetti d’Altavilla in 2023 was also rewarded by prestigious international competitions such as the “International Wine & Spirit Competition – IWSC 2023” which in Great Britain awarded Bitter Mazzettiwith Silver Grappa di Moscato Barricata and Amaro Forte with Bronze while, in Germany the “Internationaler Spirituosen Wettebewerb – ISW 2023” awarded the Gold Medal to Bitter and the Silver to Gin Mazzetti.
A Gold also for the aromatic Riserva Gaia Mazzetti at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles while the Falstaff Guide, intended for the German-speaking market, selected (awarding 94 points) the Riserva 18.46, the Riserva Gaia Mazzetti and the Grappa di Barolo Riserva.
The successes don't end there: the Grappa & Cioccolato Store in Alba, born from the partnership between Mazzetti d’Altavilla and Baratti & Milano, has been selected as part of the "ADI Design Index 2023" (Exhibition Design Category) in the pre-selection process for the 2024 edition of the Compasso d'Oro, one of the oldest and most prestigious design awards in the world, established in 1954 and approaching its 70th anniversary. The innovative concept of the Langhe spirits and chocolate boutique had already gained international recognition last summer thanks to the "Big See Interior Design" event held in Slovenia.
"We want to see these rewards," comment Chiara, Silvia and Elisa Belvedere Mazzetti, aka the seventh generation of "Distillatori dal 1846," toasting the festivities, " as yet another starting point, not an arrival point. In 2024, we will continue our commitment to promoting this excellent Italian spirit in Italy and around the world, working constantly at our headquarters to attract visitors interested in learning more about the world of locally sourced spirits and taking advantage of our spaces for events and multisensory experiences."
The reference to the "PianoRamico" is clear, the top floor of the headquarters atop Altavilla Monferrato, where restoration work has created an evocative setting overlooking the vineyards from which the pomace distilled in the "Casa della Grappa" comes. This further demonstrates how spirits can also become a tourist magnet.
