Distilleria Mafalda was founded in 1994 with the purchase of a historic building in the hills of Oltrepò Pavese, home to Italy’s first Cantina Sociale, founded in 1902 by Senator Luigi Montemartini. This place, which has always been linked to the winemaking tradition, was initially dedicated to the production of classic method sparkling wines from Pinot Noir grapes, an excellence of the area that still distinguishes the winery.
Since the founding of the Cantina Sociale, the Tonalini family has been an active part of its history, contributing to the growth of the local wine industry. With the purchase of the property in 1994, this legacy was transformed into a new project, dedicated to the art of distilling. Today the distillery is led by Fabio Tonalini, current president, who continues in the family tradition with an innovation-oriented vision.
A few years later, the distillery started the production of Grappa with discontinuous copper bain-marie stills, gradually expanding its offerings with grape and fruit distillates, which are highly appreciated by connoisseurs. In 2024, to celebrate 30 years in business, the company introduced a wider range of products, including gin, brandy, liqueurs, vermouths, aperitifs, and bitters. It also launched a line of non-alcoholic products in response to new consumer needs, while keeping the quality and sensory experience unchanged.
The distillery is distinguished by the perfect balance between tradition and innovation: historic stills are complemented by modern technologies that allow for the creation of unique products inspired by ancient recipes and refined by the experience of the master distiller. The name Mafalda comes from a monumental cask donated to the Cantina Sociale di Montù Beccaria by King Vittorio Emanuele III and named after one of his daughters, symbolizing the deep connection with history and territory.
Our forge of spirits, liqueurs, sparkling wines and fortified wines represents a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Each product is born out of craftsmanship, the use of selected raw materials and respect for the land, with a constant focus on quality and the enhancement of local excellence.
Using copper stills and handed-down techniques, our spirits, such as grappa and gin, offer a refined sensory experience. In parallel, our classic method sparkling wines, made from Pinot Noir grapes and aged for a long time on yeasts, express the elegance and complexity of the terroir.
In our in-house laboratory highly qualified staff, under the direction of expert liquor maker Carlo Alberto Torazza, develop and perfect recipes, combining tradition and creativity. This allows us not only to offer classic products, but also to offer zero-alcohol versions for each category, ensuring a modern and inclusive alternative without compromising on pleasure and quality.
Our liqueurs, divided into aperitifs, bitters and bitters, offer a wide variety of experiences: from fresh and lively aperitifs to intense and complex bitters and bitters related to traditional local recipes. Our vermouths, true jewels among fortified wines, are perfect both to taste pure and as a base for sophisticated cocktails. In addition, we offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic bagne for the confectionery industry, designed to enhance each creation.
In short, our production combines respect for tradition with continuous innovation, creating unique, high-quality products capable of satisfying even the most demanding palates.
We work on an artisanal scale, where every stage of production is followed with passion and human attention. Our products combine ancient techniques and modern technologies, enhancing local resources and promoting sustainability.
Customization is another feather in our cap: we create tailor-made solutions to meet the wishes of customers who seek uniqueness.
Thanks to our dedication and continuous pursuit of excellence, we are proud to represent the best of Made in Italy in the world of spirits, liqueurs and sparkling wines.
We work on an artisanal scale, where every stage of production is followed with passion and human attention. Our products combine ancient techniques and modern technologies, enhancing local resources and promoting sustainability. Customization is another feather in our cap: we create tailor-made solutions to meet the wishes of customers who seek uniqueness.
Thanks to our dedication and continuous pursuit of excellence, we are proud to represent the best of Made in Italy in the world of spirits, liqueurs and sparkling wines.
Founder and distiller since 1998 - A.N.A.G. Lecturer.
Graduate student in food science
Client management, coordination and communication
Enologist
