(Oct. 15, Napa Calif.) — Scott Ades, President of Dalla Terra Winery Direct, is proud to announce that two products from the importer’s expanding portfolio of all-Italian spirits, vermouth and amari took home 2024 “Best-in-Class” awards in their respective categories at the Top Shelf Gala, which took place at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco on October 6. Out of nearly 3,500 entries, Verità Vodka Italiana and Almare Spritz Hugo were crowned the overall Best Vodka and Best Spritz. The black-tie affair honored the exceptional leaders shaping the spirits industry and celebrated excellence with “Best-in-Class” and “Best-in-Show” awards from the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“Receiving the highest award in not one, but two categories from the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world is an honor to say the least,” said Ades. “Most importantly, this award serves as a testament to our commitment to collaborating with top-tier Italian spirits producers, who are producing some of the best craft spirits on the market today.”
Verità Vodka Italiana (SRP: $28) is crafted for Dalla Terra by Distilleria Dell’Alpe, a multi-generational family-owned producer of Italian spirits located in the eastern Italian Alps. Verità is a true all Italian vodka, distilled from Italian wheat and using Alpine Mountain water. Exceptionally smooth and pure in part due to its unique distillation process, Verità is distilled four times, with the final distillation taking place in an antique, wood-fired bain marie still under the watchful eye and palate of master distiller Alessandro Maschio. The resulting spirit is bottled without chill filtering to preserve the pristine character and mouthfeel of the vodka.
Almare Spritz Hugo (SRP: $15) is a refreshing take on the traditional Italian spritz. Made from 100% Glera Prosecco and an infusion of elderflower, lemon and mint, the flavor is pleasingly fruity and fresh with herbal notes. Almare Spritz, founded in 2020, is an authentic interpretation of the classic spritz in a ready to drink format, using naturally fermented wine with flavors and botanicals sourced locally in Italy. For over three generations the Maschio family has been producing Prosecco from their estate vineyards in the hills surrounding the commune of Conegliano in Veneto. Drawing on a love for time spent at the seaside with friends and family, the Maschio family created Almare Spritz to share the beauty of Italian spritz culture with the world.
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits competition is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, receiving over 5,000 entries in 2024 alone. During the competition, a carefully selected panel of judges, made up of critics and industry leaders, taste the spirits blind and determine the merit of the spirits, liqueurs, vermouths, RTDs and more. Bronze, silver, gold and double gold medals are awarded to the entries, along with a score on a 100-point scale. The best spirit in each category receives their “Best-in-Class” designation.
In addition to Verita and Almare Spritz, Dalla Terra imports the following from Distilleria dell’Alpe: Kapriol Liquor, Rosen Bitter, Amaro Del Cansiglio, Amaretto Del Cansiglio Liquore, Kapriol Dry Gin, Kapriol Old Tom Gin, Kapriol Grapefruit & Hibiscus Gin and Kapriol Sloe Gin. Dalla Terra also works with Elena Spirits to import Elena Gin, Elena Vermouth Di Torino Rosso, Elena Vermouth Di Torino Superiore Bianco “TIM21” and Elena Vermouth Di Torino Superiore Rosso “LAZ19.” Finally, Almare Spritz also produces a Almare Spritz Classico and Almare Spritz Rosa.
The labels for both Verita Vodka Italiana and Almare Sprits were created by Audery and Julian Fort of LA-based The Rooster Factory.
In addition to winning “Best-in-Class,” Verità Vodka was also awarded 97 points and Double Gold from the SFWSC, 95 points and a gold medal from International Wine and Spirits Competition and won “Best Imported Vodka” and double gold from 2024 The FiftyBest. Almare Spritz Classico Aperitivo received a double gold medal and 96 points from SFWSC along with being a finalist for “Best-in-Class” Spritz. Almare Spritz Hugo received double gold medal and 96 points at SFWSC in addition to their “Best-in-Class” win along with a silver medal from the 2024 World Drink Awards. Finally, Almare Spritz Pompelmo Rosa received Best Wine based cocktail from 2024 World Drink Awards.
About Dalla Terra Winery Direct®
Founded in 1990, Dalla Terra Winery Direct® is a direct importer and national agent of a select group of leading, family-owned, estate wineries and distilleries in Italy. The name Dalla Terra means Of the Earth in Italian and represents a commitment to work alongside estates that have achieved reputations for top quality production in their respective regions or appellations. Dalla Terra’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace is due to its highly curated portfolio and innovative business model. By limiting its portfolio, and partnering with only the highest quality producers, Dalla Terra ensures that its portfolio will be an unparalleled source of remarkable Italian wines and spirits. For more information on Dalla Terra and the producers they work with, visit www.dallaterra.com or call 707-259-5405.
