Italy Food and Drink: National Liquor(s)
Grappa
Grappa is a typically Italian drink that isn’t very popular worldwide. It is, however, a common drink within Italy. Some vineyards around the world are starting to make grappa selectively, but the authentic drink is found only in Italy.
Grappa originated in the Middle Ages. Some might assume that, like the names of many wines, the term “grappa” comes from the Bassano del Grappa region, but this is not the case. Rather, it derives from a similar word that refers to the northeastern region of the country, as well as from another word that regionally refers to part of the vine.
According to legend, grappa was first made by a Roman soldier who discovered that wine byproducts, which were often discarded, contained a lot of unexpected flavor. This soldier had learned how to distill from his travels in Egypt, and he used this method to make grappa.
First made as an affordable liquor that was stronger than wine, grappa was not initially considered chic. Rather, it was a rural drink made by vineyard workers, particularly during the winter. It wasn’t until the 1960s that grappa became popular with the upper class, after a lone distiller, Giannola Nonino, marketed it as a refined drink, often offering it to restaurants and the press for free and eventually changing the drink’s public perception.
Alcohol Content (Alcohol by Volume)
Grappa most usually has 40–45 percent ABV.
Color
Grappa is colorless and transparent.
How It's Made
Grappa is made from the pomace, or leftovers, of the winemaking process, including grape skins, seeds, stems, and even stalks. The mixture is fermented and distilled to create a concentrated alcoholic liquid which is bottled and sold. Some grappa may be flavored, which is often the only type found abroad.
How It's Enjoyed
Generally, grappa is enjoyed as an after-dinner drink (digestif), but it also makes a great addition to coffee as caffè corretto. Grappa is drunk from small glasses (meant to reduce consumption). Younger grappas are often served in a tulip-shaped glass, while older grappas are served in a cognac glass. Grappa is kept slightly chilled or at room temperature. Consumers tend to enjoy small sips of the drink to fully experience its flavor. Occasionally, grappa is mixed with prosecco to make a cocktail. It is also occasionally used in cooking, particularly for sauces.
Major Brands
Marolo, Nardini, Tosolini, Jacopo Poli Po’ and Capovilla are some of the most popular grappa brands.
Article written for World Trade Press by Holly Riddle.
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