Essenza Mediterranea
Essenza Mediterranea is a brand that produces artisanal liqueurs based on ancient recipes carefully handed down through the centuries. It is a small Calabrian reality based in Altomonte, in the province of Cosenza, born from the desire to restore splendor and make known an ancient liqueur tradition of the territory, based on in-depth historical research and a selection of local, genuine, and high-quality raw materials. It is a brand that has allowed for the enhancement of the botanical excellences of the spontaneous flora of the lush Mediterranean scrub of the coastal areas and the Apennine areas of the hinterland.
The Essenza Mediterranea project is closely linked to the ancient history of Altomonte. At the beginning of the 11th century, in this small Calabrian village, monks and hermits arrived from Sicily and the East fleeing from persecutions. It is thanks to them that the knowledge of herbalism and the principles of alchemy were introduced into the local tradition. Ancient legends tell that Sichelgaita of Salerno, wife of Roberto d’Altavilla,prepared a strengthening herbal elixir to be administered to the soldiers of the Norman army before battles. On one such occasion, she was assisted by monks, who were rewarded with permission to settle at the Church of Santa Maria dei Franchi.
According to local customs, it was from this ancient recipe based on aromatic herbs, cedar peels, lemon, and bitter oranges that the liquor-making tradition of Altomonte was born, which was then passed down by the monks. In 1879, the Giacobini family founded an important liquor company, which soon became one of the most famous in the Bourbon kingdom. During the 1900s, the distillery's fortunes were tied to the Moliterno family, and Essenza Mediterranea was born from an heir of this dynasty. The labels produced today by Essenza Mediterranea srl are the ideal continuation of this history. They are made with the same care in selecting and gathering the herbs and with processes inspired by ancient craftsmanship. Thus were born liqueurs with an authentic taste, true witnesses of a glorious past, that still today come to life in the glass. Liqueurs with a unique taste that faithfully reflect the nature of the Calabrian territory.
Essenza Mediterranea is a brand that produces artisanal liqueurs based on ancient recipes carefully handed down through the centuries. It is a small Calabrian reality based in Altomonte, in the province of Cosenza, born from the desire to restore splendor and make known an ancient liqueur tradition of the territory, based on in-depth historical research and a selection of local, genuine, and high-quality raw materials. It is a brand that has allowed for the enhancement of the botanical excellences of the spontaneous flora of the lush Mediterranean scrub of the coastal areas and the Apennine areas of the hinterland.
The Essenza Mediterranea project is closely linked to the ancient history of Altomonte. At the beginning of the 11th century, in this small Calabrian village, monks and hermits arrived from Sicily and the East fleeing from persecutions. It is thanks to them that the knowledge of herbalism and the principles of alchemy were introduced into the local tradition. Ancient legends tell that Sichelgaita of Salerno, wife of Roberto d’Altavilla,prepared a strengthening herbal elixir to be administered to the soldiers of the Norman army before battles. On one such occasion, she was assisted by monks, who were rewarded with permission to settle at the Church of Santa Maria dei Franchi.
According to local customs, it was from this ancient recipe based on aromatic herbs, cedar peels, lemon, and bitter oranges that the liquor-making tradition of Altomonte was born, which was then passed down by the monks. In 1879, the Giacobini family founded an important liquor company, which soon became one of the most famous in the Bourbon kingdom. During the 1900s, the distillery's fortunes were tied to the Moliterno family, and Essenza Mediterranea was born from an heir of this dynasty. The labels produced today by Essenza Mediterranea srl are the ideal continuation of this history. They are made with the same care in selecting and gathering the herbs and with processes inspired by ancient craftsmanship. Thus were born liqueurs with an authentic taste, true witnesses of a glorious past, that still today come to life in the glass. Liqueurs with a unique taste that faithfully reflect the nature of the Calabrian territory.
