Grappa is an Italian pomace brandy with an alcohol content between 36% and 55%. It is produced by distilling the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems after winemaking.
How it is made
Grappa is made by distilling grape pomace, which includes skins, stems, and seeds left after winemaking. Originally produced as a way to utilize winemaking byproducts, it quickly became a profitable product and is now sold worldwide.
Types and styles
Grappa is classified in several ways: giovane (young, colorless), affinata in legno (aged in wooden barrels for 6 months), invecchiata (aged at least 12 months), and stravecchia or riserva (aged at least 18 months). It can also be aromatic (made from aromatic grape varieties) or flavored with fruits, herbs, or spices. Grappa may be monovitigno (single-varietal) if made from at least 85% one grape variety, or polivitigno (multi-varietal).
How it is served
Grappa is typically served chilled and rarely mixed with anything. However, high-quality grappa is sometimes served at room temperature to better appreciate its flavor. It is used in cocktails such as Mashonza, Swindler Sour, Biggie Small Doors, and Belladonna.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Граппа, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Well-known brands
- Nardini