Paesani Liquori
Collevecchio, Abruzzo
Run by the same family since 1961, Paesani epitomizes tradition and craftsmanship.
Run by the same family since 1961, Paesani epitomizes tradition and craftsmanship.
The Paesani family fabbrica is perched on a hillside in the hamlet of Collevecchio, just outside Teramo in Abruzzo. Looming in the background is the Gran Sasso d’Italia, the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains and the namesake of Paesani’s award-winning lineup of amari and other liqueurs. Founded in 1961 by brothers Ermanno and Pietro Paesani, this is the exact opposite of “industrial” production: these are painstakingly hand-crafted products made in a stunning pastoral setting.
The production of liqueurs from fruit, herbs, and other ingredients, whether cultivated or foraged, is as much a part of Italian tradition as the production of wine, cheese, or olive oil.
Ermanno and Pietro Paesani were skilled foragers (something the Abruzzesi seem especially good at) and craftsmen whose original recipe and production process for Amaro Gran Sasso is still followed to the letter today. Pietro’s son Antonio Paesani, and now Antonio’s son Mirco, literally have their hands in every part of the process—from the selection of the all-natural raw materials to the packaging design, which succeeds brilliantly at being both classic and contemporary.
Amaro Gran Sasso, a beautifully balanced infusion incorporating more than 20 botanicals, is the Paesani flagship, but in all, this is a treasure trove of artisanal creations.