With its storied legacy dating back to the early 1700s, Vecchia Romagna stands tall in the modern era as the world’s best-selling Italian brandy.
The story of Vecchia Romagna begins in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, a land shaped by connection and grapevines. As Roman roads unified its cities in 187 BC, flourishing trade commerce led wine to become the area’s lifeblood, creating a deep-rooted wine tradition that eventually led to the emergence of brandy, born of distilled wine.
From the early 1700s, the Buton family has refined their distillation craft in France, preserving their closely guarded formulas in the Buton Recipe Book. Earning recognition as suppliers to the imperial house of Napoleon I, Jean Buton, as the heir to the Butons, brought this legacy to Italy, where he then founded Vecchia Romagna in 1820.
In Bologna, Buton united French distillation mastery with Italian grapes, establishing a legacy of tradition and innovation that continues to define the brand, as reflected both in its craft and the distinctive triangular bottle. Since 1939, Bacchus has appeared as the enduring icon of Vecchia Romagna, inspired in part by Michelangelo’s Renaissance interpretation of the classical god, symbolising renewal and the shared joy of gathering.
Crafted primarily from Trebbiano grapes, the Italian brandy has been carefully distilled and aged in oak barrels to develop structure and aromatic complexity. The result is in a brandy known for its amber hue, velvety texture, and layered notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. Its ageing process refines the spirit without masking its character, achieving balance between intensity and elegance. Over time, Vecchia Romagna has become one of Italy’s most recognised and appreciated brandies, even becoming the world’s best-selling Italian brandy.
What distinguishes Vecchia Romagna from its counterparts is its ability to bridge moments. It can be savoured neat as a contemplative digestif, served over ice for a softer expression, or used as the foundation of refined cocktails. Its versatility reflects the spirit of Bacchus himself: adaptable, welcoming, and unifying. Whether shared at the end of a meal or raised in celebration, the brandy becomes a conduit for conversation and connection.
From oak ageing and patient maturation to meticulous blending, Vecchia Romagna is a celebration of communion and craft. Grapes nurtured under the Italian sun are distilled and refined, completing a journey from land to glass that captures the agricultural richness and quiet passion of Emilia-Romagna. This philosophy has endured across its most notable expressions: the Classica, Etichetta Nera, Riserva Tre Botti, and Riserva 18, each offering its own interpretation of character and conviviality.
Famous beyond its flavoursome spirits, Vecchia Romagna is a reflection of heritage and hospitality, through innovations grounded in tradition. With every pour, their brandy strives to honour the region that shaped it and the people who continue to gather around it, celebrating not only a finely crafted brandy, but the joy of making the connections it gathers.
TASTING NOTES
Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera
ABV: 38%
COLOUR: Coppery Antique Gold
AROMA: Hints of tropical fruit, such as papaya and pineapple, blend with vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves combined with caramelised baked pear.
PALATE: Smooth, complex, and rounded with hints of sweet spices, such as vanilla and cinnamon, in addition to strong notes of clove.
FINISH: Dry and slightly woody, as a result of its maturation in oak barrels.
Vecchia Romagna Riserva Tre Botti
ABV: 40.8%
COLOUR: Luminous Amber
AROMA: Characterised by hints of dried fruit, namely hazelnut and other sweeter aromas such as cinnamon and tropical fruit.
PALATE: Smooth and balanced, with sweet and crisp fruity notes of vanilla, raisins, and tropical fruit, in addition to the spicy hints of cinnamon and cloves.
FINISH: Dry, toasty, and long-lasting with notes of pastry and clove.
Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18
ABV: 43.8%
COLOUR: Bright, warm amber containing hints of mahogany and gold.
AROMA: Spicy notes and tobacco leaf blend with ethereal hints of dried fruit and bold notes of walnut and fig, expressed in notes recalling sherry, port, and marsala.
PALATE: Intense and velvety, with a vibrant start of candied citrus and spice, clove, and pimento, before transitioning into dried tobacco and roasted coffee.
FINISH: Classic Amarone della Valpolicella wine cask creates a tannic touch with dry toasty oak finish.
Exquisite Taste Volume 51
Vecchia Romagna
IG: @vecchiaromagna
