The amaro that broke out of Italy. Built on the Nonino family's own aged grappa rather than neutral spirit, it is softer, warmer and more citrus-driven than any bitter you have met — and it is the reason half of London is drinking Paper Planes this year.
The Nonino family begins distilling in Percoto, Friuli, in the north-east corner of Italy.
1973
Giannola Nonino distils the first single-varietal grappa, dragging a rustic spirit into the world of fine drinks.
The Base
Where other amari use neutral alcohol, Quintessentia is built on Nonino's own grappa, aged in barrique — the reason it tastes warm rather than sharp.
The Infusion
Herbs, roots and bitter orange peel steeped and married, then rested in oak. Gentian and quassia bring the bitterness, citrus carries it.
What Sets It Apart
Grappa, Not Neutral
An aged spirit base — softer and rounder than any rival
Five Generations
Still family-owned in Percoto, Friuli
The Paper Plane
The modern classic that made amaro mainstream
The Wax Seal
Hand-finished bottle that needs no gift wrap
Tasting Profile
Bitter Orange
Caramel
Herbal Bitterness
Oak
Bitter OrangeCaramelGentianLiquoriceVanilla
How to Serve It
The Paper Plane
Equal parts Nonino, bourbon, Aperol and lemon
Neat, After Dinner
The traditional Italian digestivo, at room temperature
With Tonic & Orange
A lighter, lower-ABV alternative to a spritz
Pairs Well With
Dark Chocolate
Bitter answering bitter, with orange in between
Pistachio & Nuts
The classic Friulian plate alongside a glass
Aged Parmesan
Salt and crystal against the caramel
Espresso
The end of an Italian meal, in two glasses
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Percoto, Friuli, Italy
House
Nonino Distillatori, est. 1897
Style
Amaro (herbal bitter liqueur)
Base
Nonino grappa, aged in barrique
ABV
35%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
What exactly is an amaro?
An Italian herbal liqueur, traditionally drunk after a meal to settle the stomach. Herbs, roots and citrus peel are steeped in spirit and sweetened just enough to balance the bitterness. Every region of Italy has its own; this one comes from Friuli in the far north-east.
How do I make a Paper Plane?
Equal parts — 22.5ml each of Amaro Nonino, bourbon, Aperol and fresh lemon juice. Shake hard with ice and strain into a coupe. No garnish needed. It is one of the few modern cocktails to have entered the canon outright, and this bottle is the non-negotiable part of it.
Is it very bitter?
Far less than you would expect. The grappa base and barrique ageing make it noticeably sweeter, rounder and more orange-forward than most amari — which is exactly why it is the one bartenders reach for when introducing someone to the category.
Who is this a good gift for?
Anyone who has got into cocktails in the last couple of years, anyone who loves Italy, and anyone who already owns the obvious bottles. The wax-sealed bottle looks expensive on a bar cart, and it is a name that signals you knew what you were choosing.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Amaro Nonino responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
