The Berta Family has been producing grappa since 1866 and is regarded as one of the jewels of grappa distillers. Distilleria Berta was born in the very heart of the Piedmont hills between Monferatto and the Langhe. Using the finest grape skins form some of the finest vineyards in the world. These grape skins are sent to the distillery to be handled by the Berta family and its committed team.

A landmark grappa producer based in Piedmont Berta is famous for the approachability of its grappas. The distillery lies ensconced in the gentle hills that surround Asti, nestled amidst vineyards that radiate beautiful colors as far as the eye can see.

The modern state-of-the-art Roccanivo distillery owned by the Berta family at Casalotto di Mombaruzzo opened in the grape harvest of 2002, a historic vintage for this family/business and for the economic development of the Asti wine sector. Grappa is obtained through the distillation of pomace, the name given to the residues-skins, pulp and seeds- that remain after pressing the grapes for juice extraction in the winemaking process. The grappa is processed as little as possible to retain the purest flavor of the pomace.

The family business' grappa are manufactured thanks to the grapes harvested on the surrounding land. Before being processed the grape pomace is kept moist in special hermetic containers. After distillation, the liquid is filtered out. Part goes into silvery, ceiling-high tanks where it is stored for one year. After this, it is stored in wooden barrels in the enormous wine cellar at the estate. Below lit vaulted arches lie thousands of barriques and tonneaux. These casks of old French oak give this grappa its amber color.

It will take years before the contents are ready to be bottled. Roccanivo and Tre Soli Tre, both grappas, are stored for eight years. The longest storage lasts twenty years - the time it takes for founder Paolo Berta's Riserva to mature.

Spotlight: GRAPPA ROCCANIVO, GRAPPA BRIC DEL GAIAN, GRAPPA TRE SOLI TRE.

GRAPPA ROCCANIVO. Grape Variety: 100% Barbera. This amber grappa shows great personality with complex aromas of dark cherries, forest fruits, chocolate and vanilla. The palate offers a rich yet delicate experience of harmony and persistence. GRAPPA BRIC DEL GAIAN. Grape Variety: 100% Moscato d'Asti. This aged grappa shows complex and delicate aromas of forest fruits, vanilla with notes of grapefruit. The palate offers rich, silky flavours that reaffirm the olfactory notes. GRAPPA TRE SOLI TRE. Grape Variety: Nebbiolo da Barolo. Splendid outstanding aromas of mature fruits such as maraschino cherries and apricot with notes of cocoa and vanilla. The palate offers seductive undertones that reflect the aromas to create a perfectly balanced grappa.

Distilleria Berta Grappa can be enjoyed locally or experienced first hand at Distilleria Berta Via Guasti, 34/36, 14046 Mombaruzzo. Tel +39 0141 739528. Locally Distilleria Berta is imported by Attard and Co and available from Sistina Wine & Co., The Strand Gzira. Opening hours: 10am till late. WEB: www.sistinawineco.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sistinawineco TEL: 2131 4161. Gozo Distributor: Abraham's Supplies Co. Ltd. tel 2156 3231 Web: www.abrahams.com.mt