Grappa is a delicious drink and one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Italy. It is a crystal clear spirit that is made from the remains of grapes after pressing. The Italian word grappa literally means ‘grape stalk.’ The original use of grappa was to provide warmth in the chilly climate of northern Italy.
History of Grappa
Although we researched the history of Grappa and have a good understanding of its origins, we found that we were not nearly as eloquent at telling the story as Wikipedia. So we’re just going to quote a brief history here for you.
Distillation is an ancient practice that can be traced back to the first century AD. While the distillation of alcohol may have been carried out reliably by the School of Salerno in the 12th century, fractional distillation was developed by Taddeo Alderotti in the 13th century. There is a legend that tells of a Roman soldier who first distilled grappa in the northern Italian town of Bassano del Grappa using distilling equipment stolen in Egypt (“Crisiopea di Cleopatra” 2nd century AD). However, the story cannot be considered reliable as such equipment could not produce grappa. Distillation useful for producing beverages was not discovered until the eighth century, and it likely took about two more centuries for the technology to travel from its home in the Levant and Persia to Italy (likely by route of the Crusades).
Around 1300–1400 AD, however, the introduction of water as a coolant in the distilling equipment made it possible to produce a substantially larger amount of distilled wine and to distill pomace. Around 1600 AD, the Jesuits in Spain, Italy and Germany studied and codified the techniques used to produce brandy or grappa, and their methods were used until recent times.
See? There is no way we would have been as eloquent! Italy has a very rich history of distilling and producing Grappa, and we get to enjoy the delicious result.
Enjoying Grappa
Grappa is a wonderful way to end a meal, drunk either as a shot on its own or added to an espresso (in which case it’s known in Italy as a caffè coretto, or a “corrected coffee”). The Instituto Nazionale Grappa, the body that represents most of the grappa producers in Italy, recommends serving shots in small tulip-shaped glasses with open rims, rather than balloons or narrow glasses.
Every grappa should be drunk at the right temperature: young grappas are drunk at 10°C, while older grappas taste better at 16-18 °C. The right glass is also essential to your enjoyment of grappa: young grappas are drunk from a tulip-shaped glass, older grappas from a cognac glass.
Glorioso’s has brought the taste of Italy back to you by stocking several grappas in our liquor department.
Grappas We Offer
Sarpa Di Poli
$59.99 750ml
Sarpa di Poli is a blended grappa with a range of delicate aromas: fresh herbs, mint, rose petals and geranium. On the palate, it is rustic yet smooth, with a generous finish that keeps on giving.
About Sarpa Di Polli
Moletto Grappa di Nebbiolo da Barolo
Awarded 94 points by Beverage Tasting Institute
$45.99 – 750ml
SALE PRICE $41.99
Pale golden color. Suede, toasted Brazil nuts and fragrant baked plum and pear aromas with a mélange of stone fruit, autumn fruit and golden raisin flavors with a delightful acacia honey and heather accents reminiscent of lowland Scotch.Finishes with fruit and spice fade and a dash of white pepper. A superb aged grappa for after the big meal.
Moletto Grappa di Moscato
Awarded 92 points by Beverage Tasting Institute
$45.99 – 750ml.
SALE PRICE $41.99
Clear color. Bright aromas and flavors of raisin bread, figs, and dusty nuts with a lively, off-dry medium-to-full body and a delightful, long finish with elements of peppery spices, anise, mint, and potpourri. A delicious and vibrant grappa for all occasions.
These have been distilled from pomace produced by a single and high-quality form of grape. These forms of grappa have strong characteristics related to the aroma of the grapes from which they are made.
More about Moletto Grappas
Badia a Coltibuono Grappa di Sangioveto
$32.99 – 375ml
Grape varieties: Sangiovese skins
Ageing: 2 years in oak barrels
Elegant and refined on the nose while vanilla and spicy notes are evident due to its long maturation in barrels. It is soft on the palate, with a clean and persistent aftertaste.
More info on Badia di Coltibuono Grappa di Sangioveto
Grappa Liquors
Marolo “Milla” Chamomile Grappa
$29.99 – 375ml
Sweeter than most grappas, it offers hints of honey, lavender, and green tea that complement the rich flavors of Chamomile.
Product of Italy. Alcohol by Volume: 35%
Pisoni Grappa di Limoncello
$18.99 – 200ml
LIMONCELLO LIQUOR
With its intense light yellow color and fruity aroma typical of the fresh fruit, it is ideal after a meal.
Product of Italy. Alcohol content: 30% vol.
More information about Pisoni (PDF)