“Italy’s Bohemia” and the “City of Gold”: The Artistry of Marolo’s Cristalli Collection

“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and mind is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, mind, and heart is an artist.”
– Saint Francis of Assisi

Hands, mind, and heart of a tailor, a conductor, an alchemist – but also those of a glassmaker, a blower, a goldsmith. At Marolo,  respect for craftsmanship is at the core of a philosophy that sees production as a true art, deserving reverence in every form.

Just as the master grappa distiller’s expertise, skill, and passion produce the finest spirits, the vessel must also reflect that same dedication and artistry.

The Cristalli Collection is a tribute to this philosophy: three Barolo grappas – Cristallo Alto, Cristallo Basso, and Cristallo Oro – where the container itself is as much a masterpiece as the grappa within. These prestigious sets feature elegant crystal decanters crafted in Colle Val d’Elsa, Italy’s “Bohemia,” and in the case of Cristallo Oro, gold labels made by artisans from Valenza. Produced in limited, numbered editions, these boxes represent the best of Marolo’s distilling tradition and the excellence of Italian craftsmanship.

The Crystal of Colle Val d’Elsa

The crystal of Colle Val d’Elsa boasts a rich and fascinating history. Glass production in this small Tuscan town began around the mid-1300s, alongside the development of papermaking. This dual industrial drive gave Colle Val d’Elsa an important economic boost, quickly setting it apart from its neighboring towns, still dominated by agriculture.

The first glassworks benefited from the local abundance of raw materials: plentiful forests provided the necessary wood for fuel and ashes for glassmaking. A 1577 decree by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, banning the import of foreign glass, further stimulated local production.

However, it was in the mid-19th century that crystal production soared, earning Colle Val d’Elsa the title of “Bohemia of Italy.” This was thanks to Francesco Mathis, a French glassmaker who founded a crystal factory within an Augustinian convent. His legacy was continued by Giovan Battista Schmid, a Bavarian who kept the tradition alive until a period of crisis. In 1914, from the ashes of the old factories, S.A.L.V.E., the “Società Anonima La Vetreria Elsana,” was born. After a rocky start, the company was taken over by Modesto Boschi, marking the beginning of a new era for Colle Val d’Elsa crystal. By the 1960s, numerous artisanal firms had sprung up, transforming the town into one of the world’s leading centers of crystal production.

The brilliance of Colle Val d’Elsa crystal lies in its lead oxide content, which increases the refractive index of the glass, giving it a unique luminosity – the perfect adornment for the golden Barolo grappas of the Cristalli line.

The Goldsmithing Art of Valenza

In Valenza, located in the heart of Alessandria province, the art of goldsmithing has deep roots, dating back to the vibrant 19th century. During these tumultuous years, as Piedmont prepared for epochal changes, Valenza emerged as a center of excellence in gold and precious stone craftsmanship.

Francesco Caramora was the pioneer, opening his workshop in 1817 and registering his personal hallmark in 1825. His apprentice, Pietro Canti, carried on his legacy, both artisanal and intellectual. Vincenzo Morosetti, a brilliant apprentice of Canti, led Valenza’s goldsmithing to new heights. After gaining formative experience overseas, Morosetti founded Fratelli Morosetti, introducing innovations in production techniques and marketing that marked a turning point for the entire local industry.

Throughout the 20th century, Valenza experienced periods of challenge and explosive growth, from the founding of the Goldsmiths’ Cooperative in 1902, through the difficulties posed by the world wars, which threatened the survival of the workshops, to the post-war production boom.

Today, the goldsmith workshops of Valenza continue to thrive, with many artisans working alongside internationally renowned designers to create jewelry that represents Italian elegance and beauty worldwide.

It is Valenza’s gold that adorns the decanter of Cristallo Oro, created to celebrate Marolo’s ten-year anniversary. A handcrafted label by Valenza artisans depicts the kingfisher, Marolo’s long-standing symbol.

This is a celebration of craftsmanship in all its forms: Marolo’s finest grappa, the crystal of Italy’s Bohemia, the goldsmithing artistry of Valenza – and even the lithographs, included in the exquisite packaging, by Maestro Gianni Gallo, a dear friend and the creator of all the company’s labels.