Celebrated places that embody Italian history

The story of the Nardini grapperia begins in April 1779 when Bortolo Nardini, founder of the now-famous distillery, purchased the “Osteria al Ponte”, a small tavern in Bassano del Grappa on the covered bridge known as the Ponte Vecchio, designed by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. Since then, the grapperia has witnessed over two centuries of history, stories that rocked the Veneto region and changed the tide of history in Europe. This locale, virtually unchanged, has earned the distinction of Historical Places in Italy. In those days, the choice of the location was not by chance: it was a strategic point and mandatory passage for all commerce in the territory. At the end of the 1700s, when Nardini grappa gained popularity and Bassano prospered under the influence of the Republic of Venice, the Ponte Vecchio was the only means of communication between the two banks of the river Brenta. On this waterway, barges laden with goods and timber from the Alps headed for Venice, floating right under the windows of the grapperia.

The Grapperia on the Bridge

After the fall of the Venetian Republic and the alternating domination by the French and Austrians, ending only in 1866, the territory of Bassano, situated between the Asiago plateau and Mount Grappa, was the theatre of many battles during First and Second World Wars.In spite of the disasters caused by the conflicts, the grapperia continued its activity without interruption. Nardini, with great fortitude, survived the wartime difficulties, the numerous passage of troops, watching with horror the destruction of “their” bridge and submitting to the frequent requisitioning of alcohol from the armies, yet without losing their passion and dedication for their craft. On October 3rd, 1948, thanks to the labor of the Alpini soldiers faithfully following the Palladian plan, the bridge was rebuilt and christened by Alcide De Gasperi, the first prime minister of the Italian Republic, with a bottle of Nardini grappa.

The grapperia on the bridge, in a medieval building dating from the 1200s, remains as it was then, even the sign over the door in an old script, as if time has stopped. The popular etchings on the walls, the little wooden frame showing the lottery numbers, the small cosy rooms and the old stone fireplace make this a warm and familiar gathering place. The atmosphere underscores a family business with deep roots, steeped in tradition and firmly linked to Italian culture.

Here you can taste Nardini products, amid the antique copper vats from the Cembra Valley, Nardini’s birthplace, and the original bar with the hand-painted inscription: “he who values life, drinks well and drinks right”. A stop at the Nardini grapperia is a must for visitors to the city as well as grappa lovers. Not only a slice of history, it is a lively and vibrant place, a traditional meeting point for locals and tourists alike. An inspiring place to discover the history, the magic, and the singular quality of a product - and a family.

“love the good modern architects, cheer for one another: associate your name with the works that will remain with your name attached to them” and

“insist that they honor your work with great structures for your business”.Giò Ponti

In 2004, Bolle Nardini was inaugurated, from the vision of the Nardini family and the creative inspiration of Massimiliano Fuksas, who interpreted the alchemy of distillation in a futuristic architectural structure. Bolle (bubbles), officially opened December 13, 2004 to commemorate the company’s 225 years of continuous activity, stands imposingly inside the production complex of Bassano not far from the historic Nardini Distillery and the Ponte Vecchio.It is a modern piece of architecture, appearing to float within the company park that was designed in the 80s by landscape architect Pietro Porcinai. This structure creates a second strong tie with architecture, as the Palladian bridge is to the historic grapperia, becoming a second icon of the city.

Bolle Nardini

A concrete expression of Nardini’s close ties to their territory, Bolle enhances the Veneto region with an extraordinary architectural achievement. In harmony with the visual language of contemporary culture, it is also a high-tech structure. An avant-garde building with a fluid form made possible by the pliant nature of curved glass, Bolle is a prime example of ecological and sustainable architecture, built with respect for the environment, innovative technology and energy savings with zero environmental impact. The complex is composed of two giant ellipsoids in glass and steel, placed at different levels and on top of a reflecting pool of water. Inside the lower bubble is an analysis laboratory: a place dedicated to the essential quality control of Nardini products. Carved under the park, the bubbles and the reflecting pool, there is an auditorium for hosting cultural and corporate events.

Bolle was created to meet varying needs: a space for research and monitoring of the product to guarantee the highest quality and an area dedicated to the dissemination of information on the grappa culture. In addition, this extraordinary architectural work hosts various initiatives of high cultural and artistic value. Among them, a highlight is Operaestate Festival, an international rendezvous with contemporary dance; Bolle offers a unique setting, hosting world-class dancers and choreographers. Bolle, with its guided tours, offers a new way to introduce Nardini to their followers and those interested in learning about the world of this unique Italian distillate and the oldest distillery in Italy.

Planning begins: 2001 Groundbreaking: September 2002Work concluded: October 2004

Total surface area: 2496 m² Reflecting pool: 630 m²

11.500 m² of glass used 572 custom cut pairs of glass panels (with high energy saving double glazed panes)

Bolle by the numbers

BASSANODEL GRAPPA

A4

A13

A31

A27

A22

Belluno

Treviso

Venezia

Padova

Rovigo

VicenzaVeronaA4

Milano

Trieste

BASSANODEL GRAPPA

A4

A13

A31

A27

A22

Belluno

Treviso

Venezia

Padova

Rovigo

VicenzaVeronaA4

Milano

Trieste

DITTA BORTOLO NARDINI S.P.A.Tel. +39 0424 227741Fax +39 0424 220477 www.nardini.it

Grapperia al Ponte Ponte Vecchio, 2 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) - Italy nardini@nardini.it

Bolle Via Madonna di Monte Berico, 7 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) - Italy bolle@nardini.it

Photos: Library and Museum Archives of Bassano del Grappa, A. Parise, A. Piovesan, G. Basilico, G. Chemello, A. Boscato.Concept & Art Direction: Hangar Design Group