The Distillery will be Honored at the 25th Annual Wine Star Award Gala in San Francisco on January 27, 2025
Glen Rock, NJ, November 14, 2024 – Opici Wines & Spirits is excited to announce that Meletti, producer of Italian liqueurs since 1870, has been named Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Spirit Brand of the Year.This marks the 25th anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s annual Wine Star Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the wine and beverage industry.
The Meletti distillery, established in 1870, continues to uphold its family legacy in Ascoli Piceno in the region of Le Marche, using original recipes passed down through generations. Today, the fifth generation of the Meletti family carries on the vision of their founder, Silvio Meletti, as they meticulously select and blend the finest natural ingredients to create artisanal cordials, aperitifs, digestifs, and liqueurs. The family also preserves the unique production method Silvio developed, allowing for the slow evaporation process that yields highly aromatic distillates of exceptional character.
“My family and I are deeply honored to receive this award, especially as we approach our 155th anniversary,” said Matteo Meletti, part of the fifth generation overseeing the company. “As we continue to honor the vision of my great-great-grandfather Silvio, we have worked diligently to grow our business and introduce our crafted spirits to an ever-expanding global community. Today, on the occasion of this milestone, we are grateful to share our cherished Italian liqueurs with friends from around the world. This is a celebratory moment for our family’s culture, heritage, and enduring legacy.”
“We are thrilled that Meletti, our long-time partner, has received this prestigious award,” said Don Opici, CEO of Opici Wines & Spirits. “It’s a testament to the Meletti family’s passion and dedication to quality and tradition through the generations. We look forward to the distillery’s continued success and growth in the United States.”
About Meletti
Founded in 1870, the Meletti distillery is a family-owned business currently run by the fifth generation, Matteo, Mauro, and Simone Meletti. Much of the production still follows the same process and recipes established during its founding by Silvio Meletti. Meletti is a brand that encapsulates the history of Italy, the beauty of Ascoli Piceno, and the Italian custom of people coming together to socialize over a quality drink.
About Opici Wines & Spirits
Opici Wines & Spirits is a fourth-generation importer and producer with family roots in the wine business dating back to 1913. Led by Don Opici as CEO, the company features a growing portfolio of over 50 brands from around the world. The philosophy behind the Opici name remains the same today as it was over 100 years ago: a commitment to excellence, quality, and building meaningful relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees. For more information, please visit opiciwinesandspirits.com.
