17 nov Vecchia Romagna: The Soul of Italian Brandy Master Blender Antonio Zattoni on tradition, balance, and the spirit of Italy
For most Italians, the triangular bottle of Vecchia Romagna — crowned by the serene face of Bacchus — is more than a drink. It’s a familiar presence at the family table, a symbol that connects generations. For Antonio Zattoni, master blender at Gruppo Montenegro, it’s also the thread that ties his personal story to Italy’s oldest and most celebrated brandy.
A Lifelong Connection
“Since I was a child, Vecchia Romagna bottles were a constant presence in my home and in those of relatives and friends,” Antonio recalls. “At Christmas and Easter, that triangular bottle with Bacchus’s face was part of the family landscape.” That early curiosity became a calling. After studying sensory analysis and chemistry, Zattoni joined Gruppo Montenegro at age 31 — his first concrete step into the world of spirits. His fascination deepened when he met Corrado, the legendary master blender and distiller behind Vecchia Romagna. “Everything I know, I owe to him,” he says. “Together, we wrote a manual that codifies Vecchia Romagna’s unique production method.”
From Sensory Analyst to Master Blender
Over two decades later, Antonio’s role has evolved from the analytical to the artistic. Today, he coordinates production, oversees quality, and develops new expressions of the brand, always guided by the original method. “No two days are the same,” he explains. “There are tastings, quality checks, meetings with the technical team, and moments of creative reflection. Science gives me the tools; sensitivity guides me.” That balance — between precision and instinct — defines his approach. “Routine ensures consistency, but innovation is essential for evolution,” he says. “Every year we experiment with new solutions, always respecting our identity.”
The Craft of Vecchia Romagna
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Vecchia Romagna can be summed up in three words: elegant, bold, Italian. Its story begins with Trebbiano grapes, chosen for their aromatic finesse and neutrality — a perfect canvas for transformation. Distillation takes place in copper stills using both discontinuous and continuous methods. “Copper allows for clean, precise distillation,” Antonio explains. “The discontinuous method preserves the finest aromas, while the continuous method ensures structure.” The spirit then matures in oak barrels, where time and temperature work their quiet magic. “Aging brings notes of vanilla, spices, and dried fruit, creating a rich and harmonious aromatic profile,” he says. But the true art lies in blending. “Every bottle must tell the same story, with the same intensity,” he adds. “It’s the moment where technique and sensitivity meet.” Each batch is carefully tasted, analyzed, and compared with the ideal profile before it earns the Vecchia Romagna name.
Tradition and the Italian Spirit
When asked what makes Vecchia Romagna unique, Antonio doesn’t hesitate: “The method, the history, the connection to Italian culture. Vecchia Romagna is unique because it’s authentic.” That authenticity runs deep. “Vecchia Romagna embodies the elegance, conviviality, and passion typical of Italy,” he says. “It’s a spirit that speaks Italian.” For Zattoni, innovation must always serve the story, not overshadow it. “Tradition is our foundation. Innovation is our future,” he explains. “We honor the method but explore new paths to tell Vecchia Romagna’s story in a contemporary way.”
Shaping the Future
Even as he safeguards the brand’s heritage, Antonio looks ahead with purpose. Sustainability is central to that vision. “We work to reduce environmental impact, enhance local resources, and ensure responsible production,” he says. He also keeps a close eye on changing tastes. “Consumers seek authenticity and quality,” he notes. “There’s a rediscovery of brandy, and we respond with sincere and well-crafted products.” When developing new expressions, inspiration often begins with emotion. “We start from an idea, a feeling,” Antonio says. “Then we experiment, test, refine. Every new expression must have meaning — a soul.”
A Master Blender’s Reflections
Asked about his favorite expression, Antonio smiles. “Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18 anni. For me, it represents the pinnacle of elegance and complexity. It’s a spirit that moves you.” Among his proudest moments are writing the production manual with Corrado, signing his first batch, and hearing from drinkers who recognize the brand’s signature taste. “Every time a consumer tells me, ‘This is Vecchia Romagna,’ that’s the greatest reward.” His advice to aspiring blenders is simple but profound: “Listen, observe, taste. Study, but above all, live the product. Passion is the real secret ingredient.”
The Spirit of Continuity
Looking ahead, Antonio sees a bright horizon for the brand. “Vecchia Romagna still has much to tell, and it will do so with elegance and authenticity,” he says. For him, every bottle represents more than liquid craftsmanship. “Vecchia Romagna is not just a brandy: it’s an Italian story, made of passion, expertise, and respect for tradition,” he reflects. “Every drop contains the work of generations, artisanal knowledge, and the pride of a unique identity.” That, ultimately, is the essence of Vecchia Romagna — a spirit shaped by time, guided by hands that respect the past, and destined to carry Italian soul into the future.
This article was created together with De Monnik Dranken, Dutch importer for Vecchio Romagna.
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