We believe in magic, we believe in nature
Alma Chiara, the gin that celebrates amphibians
We are a small Italian family business, passionate about gin and in love with our natural surroundings.
Gin Alma Chiara celebrates the beauty of our woods, the Valle dell’Acqua, and its amphibian inhabitants, to whom it is dedicated.
Crafted with Phoenician juniper berries and local botanicals—incl. bay leaves, elderflowers, dog rose, salvia pratensis, dandelion flowers, and wild fennel—our gin carries a delicate aniseed note. Clear and pure, with every sip it honours nature’s richness and the joyful songs of amphibians, guardians of hidden paths and ancient trees. Distilled in small batches, it embodies the essence of Montello’s mystical past.
The Raganella version features a tree frog, resting in the pond beside our home—one of the natural springs of the Valle dell’Acqua. A symbol of fertility and abundance, the frog echoes the Alma Mater (“the mother who nourishes”) of ancient Rome.
Amphibian-friendly at heart, Gin Alma Chiara wishes to raise awareness of these threatened creatures, with over 40% of species at risk of extinction worldwide.
The Enrico Romanazzi trail
The Montello, recognized as an Area of National Herpetological Importance (AREN), plays a vital role in conserving reptiles and amphibians. Despite its modest size, it remains one of Italy’s most valuable sites for herpetofauna, thanks to its many artificial and natural pools. This designation was achieved through years of research by Enrico Romanazzi, a local naturalist dedicated to amphibian conservation. Before his passing in 2016, he restored ten wetlands and founded the SOS Anfibi association, which raised public awareness to the amphibian’s cause. In 2019, the “Enrico Romanazzi Path – Biodiversity Itinerary” was inaugurated, passing through the scenic Valle dell’Acqua, where our home is nestled.
The Valle dell’Acqua
The Valle dell’Acqua is a suggestive valley nourished by several underground springs. Formed through river erosion and the karst corrosion process, it boasts a rich population of amphibians—sensitive indicators of environmental health. And if you look closely, you might even catch a glimpse of fairies and woodland creatures…
