Terroir Summary
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed hills of Monferrato in southern Piedmont, Distillerie Berta is deeply connected to one of Italy’s most historic and respected wine-growing regions. The landscape is characterised by rolling hills, elevations ranging from approximately 150 to 400 metres above sea level, and a patchwork of vineyards planted on limestone-clay marl, calcareous and sandstone-derived soils. The region has warm summers, cold winters and significant day-to-night temperature variation throughout the growing season, plus the autumn fogs which give the region’s most famous grape (Nebbiolo) its name.
Heritage
Since its founding in 1947, Distillerie Berta has played a defining role in the evolution of modern grappa. Founder Paolo Berta challenged convention by ageing grappa in oak barrels at a time when most examples were sold immediately after distillation. The result was a new style of spirit—richer, more structured and capable of long-term maturation—that helped establish the premium grappa category. From its home in Mombaruzzo, the family steadily expanded its ageing cellars and portfolio of single-variety and reserve grappas, earning an international reputation for quality and innovation. Now led by the third generation, Distillerie Berta continues to combine traditional distillation with decades-long maturation, exporting the character of Piedmont to more than 70 countries worldwide.
Philosophy
Distillerie Berta’s approach is built on the belief that exceptional grappa begins in the vineyard. The distillery works closely with leading growers across Piedmont, selecting high-quality pomace from renowned wine regions including Monferrato, Langhe and Roero. Fresh pomace is processed quickly after pressing to preserve varietal character and aromatic purity, before undergoing gentle steam distillation and rigorous selection of the most refined spirit fractions. Maturation sits at the heart of the Berta philosophy. Today, Berta oversees one of the category’s most significant maturation programs, with thousands of barrels resting across multiple dedicated ageing cellars carved into the hills of Monferrato. Using a variety of oak origins, barrel sizes and toast levels, spirits are matured for years—and in some cases decades—allowing them to develop remarkable depth, balance and aromatic complexity. Continuous research into maturation and barrel management is balanced by a commitment to traditional artisanal methods, ensuring innovation never comes at the expense of authenticity.
People
Distillerie Berta remains firmly in family hands, with the third generation continuing the vision established by founder and oenologist Paolo Berta in 1947. Today, Giulia and Annacarla Berta oversee a business that spans distillation, maturation, hospitality and cultural preservation. Together with family members Enrico and Simonetta Berta, they continue a legacy that has helped define the premium grappa category. Beyond the family, Berta’s reputation is built on the expertise of its growers, distillers and cellar team. The distillery maintains close relationships with carefully selected wine producers across Piedmont, with every batch of pomace tracked to its source to ensure quality and provenance. Distillation remains an artisanal process, with specialist knowledge handed down through generations of master distillers.
Beyond the bottle
Distillerie Berta’s connection to Monferrato extends far beyond its cellars. Over successive generations, the family has invested in projects that protect and celebrate the cultural heritage of Piedmont, including the restoration of historic properties, such as Borgo Roccanivo, Villa Prato and Castello di Monteu Roero. The family’s commitment to regional culture also includes the historic Moriondo Carlo amaretti bakery, preserving one of Monferrato’s most recognised confectionery traditions, and the SoloPerGian Foundation, which supports education, vocational training and initiatives designed to sustain traditional skills for future generations.
