Sustainability
It could be argued that grappa production is itself a form of recycling, as the pomace it is made from is waste material left from wine making. So you’d think there is little of value left in the pomace after grappa production. However, after processing this is a valuable fuel.
The spent pomace is dried in a huge rotating heated drum, entering at one end with 50% moisture and emerging at the other with just 3-4% moisture. As the pomace leaves the drier the seeds are separated from the dried skins and stalks. Around 17% of the weight of the dried seeds is valuable grape seed oil which is extracted with the remainder of the seeds used as a fertiliser.
The dried skins are burnt in a boiler producing steam to power both the drier and stills with sufficient extra energy to also heat the offices. Hence, the distillery is powered by renewable fuel. Emissions are minimised by an electrostatic precipitator and are considerably below legal limits.
The CO2 produced by the fermentation and burning of the pomace is neutralised by grape vines absorption of CO2 while growing. Thus Francoli is a neutral impact producer. However, the Francoli family’s ethical approach led them to go even further and seek zero environmental impact certification, something they achieved in 2006.
To offset the carbon emissions related to commercial activities such as supply and haulage of goods, car and air travel, the company contributes to the protection of 22 hectares of tropical forest in Costa Rica, an area sufficient to absorb enough CO2 to offset all of Francoli’s emissions.
Installation of solar panels to generate electricity was a first step towards energy independence but in 2012 the Francoli family built a 1,000 kilowatt power plant next to their distillery. This burns waste wood and vegetable matter to produce steam that drives turbines producing electricity. Around 10% of this is used to power the distillery and offices with the remaining 90% feeding the national grid. The waste ashes produced by the plant are used to make fertiliser.
Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
Introduced in June 2014, Fiorente is the first international brand of Italian elderflower liqueur.
Luigi Francoli Moscato Grappa del Piemonte Bianco
Part of Francoli's premium range, distilled from the pomice of Moscato grapes harvested in the Langhe and Monferrato areas of the Piemonte region.
Luigi Francoli Grappa Riserva Moscato e Bracketto
Part of Francoli's premium range, distilled from the pomice of Moscato grapes harvested in the Piemonte region and Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG grapes. Aged
Luigi Francoli Barrique del Limousin
Distilled from 60% Nebbiolo, 35% Dolcetto and 5% Moscato grape marc from grapes grown in the Piedmont region, then in aged 3 to 6 months in Limousin oak
Luigi Francoli Celebrativa 15 Year Old
An exceptional 15 year old limited edition bottling released in 2014 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Luigi Francoli brand, which was launched
Francoli Liquore al Cioccolato con Grappa
This is a chocolate liqueur from the noted grappa distillers Fratelli Francoli, is based on grappa, flavoured with 3% cacao powder and thickened with xanthan
Francoli Bianca Vinacce Rosse
Distilled from the fermented pomace of different red grape varieties native to the Piedmont region.
Luigi Francoli L'Ambra del Moscato
Packaged in a decanter style bottle and part of Francoli's premium range, L'Ambra del Moscato is distilled from the pomice of white Moscato grapes harvested
Luigi Francoli Moscato in Barrique
Part of Francoli's premium range, distilled from the pomice of Moscato grapes harvested in the S. Stefano Belbo and neighbouring municipalities areas of
Luigi Francoli Riserva 5yo Grappa
Distilled using pomace from a blend of grape varieties harvested in the Piemonte region. Part of Francoli's premium range, this grappa is aged five years
Luigi Francoli Riserva Nebbiolo da Barolo Barrique
Part of Francoli's premium range, distilled from the pomice of Nebbiolo and Barolo grapes. Aged in barrique.
