Distillery
Branca
Branca is the trade name associated with Fratelli Branca Distillerie, a historic Milanese company active in the production and distribution of spirits and liqueurs. In addition to the famous Fernet-Branca, the company offers a range of distillates including aged brandies such as Stravecchio XO and Magna Mater.
- Milan · Lombardy · Italy
- Since 1845
- 2 products
The story
The company originated in Milan in the 19th century: Bernardino Branca formulated the renowned Fernet-Branca in 1845 and the business developed in the following decades to become the group known today as Fratelli Branca Distillerie/Branca International. Over time it expanded its portfolio to include other brands and spirits categories, consolidating production and distribution activities also abroad.
Production philosophy
Combines tradition and innovation: care for historic recipes, use of selected raw materials and traditional aging and finishing processes (including the use of the 'Botte Madre' for blend harmonization) with corporate management focused on quality and sustainability.
Territory
Headquarters and main facility in Milan; distribution activity and international presence through the group's companies.
Production method
For the mentioned brandies the spirit obtained by distillation of selected Italian wines is used; the distillates undergo long aging in oak casks and a final harmonization phase in the large Botte Madre. Technical details about stills or distillation systems are not specified in the sources consulted.
Ageing
Aging in oak barrels with subsequent harmonization and blending in the 'Botte Madre' (Magna Mater) to meld and balance the components of the blend.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Milan
- Categories
- aged brandy
- amari and bitters
- vermouth
- grappa
- liqueurs
- Italian spirits house
- international producer and distributor
- Raw materials
- wines (grapes)
- Trebbiano
- Casks and ageing vessels
- oak barrels
- Botte Madre (large-scale cask for harmonization; ~84.000 L)
- Representative products
- Stravecchio Branca Magna Mater 70cl
- Stravecchio Branca XO 70cl
- Fernet-Branca
What makes it distinctive
- Historic company founded in 1845 in Milan
- Presence of the 'Botte Madre' (Magna Mater) used for brandy harmonization
- Extensive portfolio including Fernet-Branca, Stravecchio (brandy line), Carpano, Candolini and other brands
- Both production and international distribution activities