In the rolling hills of Roero, just outside Alba in Piedmont, lies Distilleria Sibona, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected grappa producers. Holding Distillation Licence No. 1, the first ever issued in the region, Sibona represents the pinnacle of Piedmontese craft. Founded in the early 20th century in Piobesi d’Alba, the distillery remains deeply rooted in a landscape famed for its noble grape varieties – Nebbiolo, Arneis, Barolo and Barbaresco.
Sibona’s artisanal philosophy centres on precision, patience and place. Only the finest pomace from neighbouring vineyards is selected, distilled immediately after fermentation to preserve the freshness of the fruit. The spirit is then refined by three oenologist-master distillers, each with decades of experience in transforming local grape skins into elegant, expressive grappa. The “heads” and “tails” of each distillation are carefully discarded, leaving only the pure heart of the spirit to be matured in tonneaux and barriques, many of which previously held Port, Madeira, rum or whisky. This meticulous process yields grappas of extraordinary softness, aromatic depth and regional character.
Among its signature expressions, Grappa Riserva Botti da Porto – aged in Port wine casks – earned “Spirit Gold Outstanding” at the IWSC, while Grappa XO, crafted from Nebbiolo and Barbera pomace and aged for over ten years in French oak, is celebrated for its refinement and length. Sibona’s innovation also extends beyond grappa: the Civico 10 Vermouth di Torino Rosso Superiore, made with local vines and Piedmontese botanicals, reflects a modern evolution of Italian aperitivo culture.
What makes Sibona exceptional is its steadfast commitment to authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. Every detail – from sourcing local pomace to ageing in carefully chosen barrels – is guided by respect for tradition and terroir. As the distillery notes, its grappas ‘reach high quality levels thanks to careful selection and long ageing,’ a testament to its unbroken dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
Today, Sibona continues to bridge the past and future of Italian distillation. Experimenting with new cask finishes and expanding its reach across global markets, it remains a guardian of Piedmont’s spirit-making heritage.
