Benito Nonino, the man who transformed grappa from a simple tavern liqueur to a premium product, died last night at the age of 90. Benito and his wife Giannola built a small family business known for producing "sgnapa" that became an internationally recognized brand. Benito Nonino was born on February 6, 1934, in Percoto, in the province of Udine, and died in the same company house where he had spent his entire life. He and Giannola raised three daughters, Antonella, Cristina, and Elisabetta, all of whom are business owners, as well as several granddaughters. Benito was passionate about distilling from a young age, and in 1973 he created the first grappa "Monovitigno Picolit," marking a watershed moment in the distillery's history. With the success of the Nonino brand, Benito and Giannola established the Nonino Prize, a prestigious award with a jury of the highest international cultural level. Several writers who have won this prize have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize.
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