Distillery
Schiavo
Distilleria Schiavo is a historic family-run distillery from Costabissara (Vicenza), active since 1887, specialized in the artisanal production of grappa, liqueurs and amari, with a mixology line called Gajàrdo.
- Costabissara · Veneto · Italy
- Since 1887
- 1 product
The story
The Schiavo family's production dates back to the late 19th century: Domenico Schiavo began distilling with a mobile still for local farms, and the activity was later stabilized with the construction of the first distillery in 1887. In the following decades the family management modernized the equipment (mechanization and use of columns and boilers) while retaining artisanal methods; today the company is in its fifth generation and has expanded its range to include single-varietal grappas, liqueurs and a line of bitters and amari for mixing.
Production philosophy
Artisanal production, attention to raw materials and respect for tradition: predominant use of fresh grape pomace and separate distillation by single-varietal pomace to highlight distinctive aromatic profiles. Priorities also include creating products for mixology with natural formulations and reduced sugar.
Territory
Costabissara, Province of Vicenza (Veneto) — an area traditionally suited to grappa production, near Bassano del Grappa.
Awards and recognition
Gajàrdo Bitter — World Best Bitter, World Liqueur Awards (2019).
Production method
Artisanal method with discontinuous copper distillation equipment (pot stills/copper boilers) heated by low-pressure steam; practices separate distillation of single-varietal pomace and small-batch production for liqueurs and bitters.
Distillation
Discontinuous distillation in copper pot stills with low-pressure steam heating (batch still); practices separate distillation of single-varietal grape pomace (vinacce).
Ageing
Some grappas are aged; storage/aging indicated in stainless steel tanks and in barrique for specific releases.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Costabissara
- Categories
- single-varietal grappa
- aged grappa
- grape brandy
- traditional liqueurs
- amari and bitters for mixology
- producer with museum and guided tours
- Raw materials
- grape pomace (vinacce)
- grapes (for grape brandies)
- herbs and roots (for amari/bitter)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- barrique
- stainless steel
- Representative products
- La Proibita
- El Cào
- Amarone
- La Quaranta
- Invecchiata Old's
- Acquavite d'uva Tentazione
- Gajàrdo Bitter (Bitter Radicale)
- Amaro Felsina
- Anno Decimo (prugna)
What makes it distinctive
- Family-run company active since 1887
- Artisanal production in copper pot stills (discontinuous method)
- Distillation museum and guided visits by appointment
- Gajàrdo line dedicated to mixology, with bitters and fernet
- Practices separate distillation of single-varietal pomace for distinctive blends