Distilleria Bottega

History

Bottega S.p.A. has a long tradition in wine production and distillation, dating back four centuries. According to the company’s own narrative, Andrea Bottega cultivated wine in Refrontolo, the heart of the Prosecco region, in the 1600s, and the quality of Bottega products is known worldwide. In 1977 Aldo Bottega and his wife Rosina founded Distilleria Bottega in Pianzano di Godega (Treviso). Between 1983 and 1987 important steps took place: the founder died in 1983, the Alexander brand was added in 1987, and the distillery began to reach international markets. During the 1990s the family expanded its portfolio with Prosecco and Vino dei Poeti Prosecco. In 1992 Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco was launched as part of the family wine style. Years later expansions led to new wineries and facilities in Italy: Valgatara (Valpolicella) and Montalcino (Amarone and Brunello), Pian Delle Vigne in Montalcino (2019) and new facilities in Valpolicella and Veneto. From 2018 to 2024 the distillery was expanded with Whisky distilleries in the Brabant/Brugnera area and a new liqueur factory, and in 2023 a new winery opened in the Chianti Classico area. At the same time the Prosecco Bar concept was expanded globally.

Production / Manufacturing

The whisky at Bottega is based on a family-driven distillation tradition. For their single malt Whisky Alexander the following process is used: the malt is fermented and distilled twice, and the whisky is aged for at least 4 years in traditional oak casks. Thereafter there is at least 2 years of aging in casks that have previously held wines from Bottega’s family vineyards, including Chianti, Montalcino and Valpolicella. The result is an amber-colored whisky with a complex and intense character. The specifications show different variants by alcohol strength and formats: Alexander (46% vol, 70 cl), single malt red wine casks (40% vol, 70 cl), single malt Brunello Casks Finish (43% vol, 70 cl) and single malt Amarone Casks Finish (46% vol, 70 cl). The malt comes from Italy and England, and production takes place in Veneto.

Whisky Series

• Whisky Single Malt Alexander – 46% ABV, Veneto (Italy + England as the malt origin). Color: amber; Aroma: fruity notes such as Amarena cherry and prune, marmalade, pear, chocolate and tobacco. Taste: elegant and complex, starting with cherry and prune, with chocolate and coffee in the finish. Recommended enjoyment: neat or in exclusive cocktails.

• Whisky Single Malt Red Wine Casks – 40% ABV, Veneto. Color: pale amber; Aromas of pear and ripe apple, vanilla and tropical fruit (pineapple and mango). Taste: soft, elegant, fruity with a balsamic finish. Recommended as a neat after-dinner drink or in fine cocktails.

• Whisky Single Malt Brunello Casks Finish – 43% ABV, Veneto. Aroma: orange- and lemon-confit notes combined with spice (white pepper) and flowers. Taste: elegant and balanced, with spicy notes and vanilla in the finish.

• Whisky Single Malt Amarone Casks Finish – 46% ABV, Veneto. Aroma: ripe fruit (Amarena cherries and plum), marmalade, pear, chocolate and tobacco. Taste: rich, complex and spicy with a long finish.

Visits / Experiences

Visita l’azienda explains that the company opens its doors to take guests to the source of Bottega’s productions. The tour begins with a welcome in a room by the fireplace, proceeds to the Grappa Museum, and guests are guided through the distillery and the areas around the vineyards. Tours can be arranged by contacting: tel. +39 0438 4067 or enoturismo@bottegaspa.com. Note: there is no on-site company shop; purchases can be made via Shop Online or by contacting the company directly.

Philosophy / Sustainability

Bottega places a strong emphasis on sustainability and has certifications such as Equalitas (2021) for their production facilities, and they have been using 100% renewable energy and solar installations since 2022. A geothermal climate control system saves 756 tons of CO2 per year, water loop recycling saves around 7 million liters of water per distillation campaign, and there are two effluent treatment plants for wastewater and waste. Organic farming is used in the vineyards, and the Eno-Bee project gives 300,000 bees access to the vineyards to support biodiversity. The company recycles plastic and labels produced in an environmentally friendly way, and packaging is made with FSC-certified materials. Foresta Bottega – A Breath for the Planet is a collaborative project with Treedom to plant trees in Ecuador, Tanzania and Madagascar. In addition, the projects include Spirit of Peace and support for cultural and humanitarian initiatives.