Roberto Castagner Shines Once Again at the Grande Festa Bibenda
Roberto Castagner Triumphs Once Again at the Grande Festa Bibenda
The world of Italian grappa has once again celebrated the remarkable talent of Roberto Castagner, a true pioneer in modern distillation. At the prestigious Grande Festa Bibenda, the Fondazione Italiana Sommelier awarded him the highly coveted 5 Grappoli 2026 distinction for three exceptional expressions:
- Grappa Fuoriclasse Leon 14 Years
- Grappa Fuoriclasse Leon 7 Years
- Grappa Fuoriclasse Leon 3 Years
This triple recognition confirms what the industry already knows: year after year, Castagner remains one of the most respected voices in grappa production — a visionary distiller who has elevated this traditional spirit to the level of world-class fine eaux-de-vie.
Bibenda: Why This Award Matters
The 5 Grappoli distinction is the highest honour bestowed by Bibenda, one of Italy’s most authoritative and respected guides. Each year, a panel of experts evaluates hundreds of grappas, but only a small number achieve the pinnacle rating of 5 Grappoli.
Earning this award is already a remarkable feat. Winning it repeatedly speaks to an extraordinary level of consistency, precision, and commitment to excellence.
For Castagner, it is yet another confirmation of a philosophy built on passion, innovation, and uncompromising quality.
Spotlight on Leon 3 Years and 7 Years: Two Award-Winning Grappas Available in Québec
At Agile, we are especially proud to offer two of the three celebrated expressions through private import in Québec:
Leon 3 Years
Despite its relative youth, this grappa already shows impressive depth and refinement. It opens with notes of ripe fruit, gentle vanilla, and soft spice. The palate remains vibrant and pure, a sign of meticulous distillation and thoughtful aging. It is an elegant introduction to the world of barrel-aged grappa.
Leon 7 Years
With additional time in wood, the 7-year expression reveals greater complexity and richness. Expect warm tones of honey, dried fruit, pastry, and fine wood. On the palate, it is silky, enveloping, and beautifully layered. The extended aging highlights Castagner’s mastery in elevating grappa without overpowering its intrinsic character.
Together, these two grappas embody the Castagner signature: elegance, balance, and expressive aromatics.
Roberto Castagner: A Vision That Transformed Modern Grappa
Since founding his distillery in the mid-1990s, Roberto Castagner has pursued a clear mission: to modernize grappa and reposition it as a refined, contemporary spirit. Where many saw a rustic digestif, he saw potential — a spirit capable of standing proudly alongside fine whisky, cognac, or brandy.
To achieve this, Castagner invested heavily in research, next-generation distillation technology, and an impressive aging facility housing thousands of barrels of cherry and oak. He also brought his family into the business, allowing a new generation to carry forward — and evolve — his vision.
His philosophy remains constant:
respect for the raw material, continuous innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of quality.
The result is a portfolio of grappas known for purity, aromatic finesse, and impeccable balance — today recognized among the finest in Italy.
Being able to offer Québec consumers the Leon 3 Years and Leon 7 Years expressions is a true privilege. These two award-winning grappas reflect everything we value: craftsmanship, elegance, and excellence.
