Grab a Grappa

What to know about Grappa to really enjoy it

Grappa is an Italian spirit made by distilling the pomace (the skins, seeds, and stems) left over from winemaking. It is essentially a type of brandy, and its alcohol content typically ranges from 35 to 60 percent by volume. It is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif after a meal, and it is often served in small glasses.

The story of distilled grapes dates back to the Middle Ages when Italian winemakers began to distill their leftover grape skins and seeds in order to extract more value from their crops. Over time, this practice evolved into the production of a distinct type of spirit, which became known as grappa.

Today, grappa is produced in various regions throughout Italy, including the Veneto, Piedmont, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Some of the top producers include Nardini, Nonino, and Jacopo Poli.

Nardini, founded in 1779, is one of the oldest producers in Italy and is based in Bassano del Grappa, a town in the Veneto region.

Nonino, founded in 1897, is another well-known product that is based in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Jacopo Poli, founded in 1898, is based in Schiavon, a town in the Veneto region, and is known for its artisanal approach to this production.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in grappa, particularly among younger Italians, who are seeking out high-quality, artisanal versions of the spirit. As a result, many small-scale producers have emerged, offering unique and flavorful grappas that are made using traditional methods.

Maybe the 10 best regions and producers of grappa

Here are 10 of the best regions and producers of grappa:

Veneto: Nardini, Jacopo Poli, Bortolo Nardini
Piedmont: Nonino, Mazzetti d’Altavilla, Marolo
Trentino-Alto Adige: Bepi Tosolini, Segnana, Distilleria Domenis
Lombardy: Pilzer, Casolari, Mezzanotte
Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Nonino, Fantinel, Villa de Varda
Tuscany: Antinori, Jacopo Poli, Bottega
Umbria: Distilleria Le Giare, Zabù
Emilia-Romagna: Montanaro, Borsci San Marzano
Sicily: Corallo, Caffo
Sardinia: Ruta, Panizzi

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other great regions and producers of grappa in Italy.

The price of good Grappa

The cost of grappa can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the region of production, quality of the ingredients used, production methods, and the brand reputation. Generally speaking, a good bottle of grappa can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the aforementioned factors. However, there are also more affordable options available for those who are new to the spirit or on a tighter budget. It is worth noting that artisanal or small-batch grappas that are made using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients tend to be more expensive than industrial-grade grappas that are mass-produced.

Final words on Grappa

So wherever you travel in Italy, you can find a good Grappa to finish the meal or to enjoy with friends or simply meditate, while you watch the Italian life go by.

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