Villa Massa Limoncello facts for kids

Villa Massa is a well-known brand of limoncello. Limoncello is a sweet lemon drink. It has about 30% alcohol. Villa Massa is made in the Sorrento area of Italy. This region is famous for its special lemons.

History of Villa Massa

The Villa Massa company started in 1991. Two brothers, Stefano and Sergio Massa, from Sorrento, created it. They used a family recipe from 1890. This old recipe used fresh lemons from their own family farm. The Massa family estate is in Piano di Sorrento. It is in the middle of the Sorrento area, close to the city of Naples.

In 2000, the special oval lemons from Sorrento were recognized. The European Union gave them a "Protected Geographical Indication" (P.G.I.) status. This means only lemons from Sorrento can be called "Limone di Sorrento." In 2006, the limoncello made from these lemons was also officially named "Liquore di Limone di Sorrento."

Since 2006, the company has been part of a family-owned group called Grupo Zamora S.L.U.

How Villa Massa is Made

Making Villa Massa limoncello starts with hand-picking the lemons. Within 24 hours, the lemons are peeled. Workers carefully remove only the yellow outer skin, called zest. They try to avoid the white part underneath. This white part can make the drink taste bitter.

Next, the lemon zest is soaked in alcohol. This process lets the natural oils and flavors from the lemon skin mix into the alcohol. After a few days, the liquid is filtered several times. Then, purified water and sugar are added. Finally, the limoncello is bottled and ready to enjoy.

Ways to Drink Limoncello

Limoncello is usually served very cold. People often drink it as an aperitivo (before a meal) or a digestivo (after a meal). You can also mix it with other drinks. Try it with sparkling water or prosecco. Adding fresh herbs like basil can make it even better.

Villa Massa Tonica

A popular way to enjoy Villa Massa is to make a "Villa Massa Tonica." You mix Villa Massa limoncello with tonic water. Add some fresh basil leaves for a refreshing taste. It's a great drink for a hot day or as a light aperitivo.

Awards and Recognition

Villa Massa has won many awards over the years. These awards show its high quality and popularity.

• Bronze – IWSC Villa Massa Limoncello (2015).
• Villa Massa received 92 points and was called "Excellent and highly recommended" at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2015).
• Villa Massa won a Gold Medal as the best product at the "China National Sugar and Alcoholic Commodities Fair" (2011).
• Villa Massa was a runner-up for the "Confindustria Awards for Excellence – Andrea Pininfarina" (2010). This was for being a "Champion Enterprise for the development of the territory."
• Villa Massa won the “National Award for Innovation” (2009). This award recognized it as a leader in innovation among many different companies.
• Villa Massa received the Italian "Quality Award" (2003).
• The Bureau Veritas Quality International Italy S.r.l. confirmed that Villa Massa's quality system met international standards (ISO 9001: 2000) (2002).
• Villa Massa was served at important events, like the G7 summit in Naples (1994).

See also

In Spanish: Limoncello para niños