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Matteo Bonoli

R&D, Quality and Regulatory Director Fratelli Branca Distillerie

Matteo Bonoli, 49, is Fratelli Branca Distillerie R&D, Quality and Regulatory Director since October 2023. He has been working as Master Herbalist, Master Blender and Master Distiller for almost 20 years in spirits industry. After a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and Food Science and Technology at the University of Bologna he moved his first steps in the spirits world in in a small company in Emilia Romagna owned by an important local Italian wine (Terre CEVICO). From 2010 to 2023 he covered the role of R&D Manager Spirits in Gruppo Montenegro (Bologna) having the opportunity to handle actively the full portfolio (Brandy Vecchia Romagna, Amaro Montenegro, Select Aperitivo, Rosso Antico Vermouth, Coca Buton Liqueur and other traditional Italian spirits) being the owner of the secret recipes. A curious role, a master herbalist is responsible for blending the botanicals in a precise ratio that creates the complex flavor of botanical spirits and “Amari”. He is the close guard of secret recipes that is passed down from each master herbalist, which he learned from his mentor, the previous master herbalist. Matteo’s daily routine is based on tasting, judging, and tasting botanicals, wine, distillates, extracts, infusions from all over the world which is important to build his sensory experience and to keep the standard quality and ethos of the brands.Often, he jokes – “I’m not drinking, I’m learning!” – because he defines his work as a continuing improvement and opportunity to learn something new and to apply his know-how every day. Matteo is extremely passionate about his role and truly loves working with botanicals and spirits. He also teaches alcohol blending classes for industry events. One of the reasons he is most fond of the Fratelli Branca Distillerie is because of the great heritage and memorable history of the brands. He enjoys them during favorite celebratory moments as “relationship facilitators and builders”.Matteo was born and raised in Romagna near the famous Italian Riviera, the backdrop to some of Federico Fellini’s most stunning movies. Outside of work, Matteo lives on a large farm with his family and pets (3 dogs, 3 cats), and keeps his own secret garden, where he grows his own botanicals used for cooking and making special liquor blends. Matteo loves good food and fine wines and spirits, as well as restoring vintage Italian scooters. Matteo compares restoring scooters to herbology; it’s important to have patience, strong work ethic, precision, attention to detail and the ability to manage so many different elements to achieve a result to be proud of.

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  • 17 Feb

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