GRAPPA

Grappa is an Italian alcohol which is made by distilling pomace, the leftovers of winemaking. Grappa is an alcoholic liqueur. Many grappas have added fruit syrup to sweeten and refine the flavor of finished grappa. Liqueurs are sweet alcoholic drinks which are flavored with a variety of different ingredients and come in a variety of different colors. The name is in fact a reference to this, as it means "grape stems" in an Italian dialect. Many winemaking nations have their own versions of grappa, and these drinks tend to be very strong, fiery, and incredibly diverse. Grappa is probably most similar to brandy.

This alcohol is classified as a pomace wine, referencing the fact that it is extracted from pomace. Pomace is the organic material left over after grapes are pressed into juice for fermentation. A typical batch of pomace includes grape skins, seeds, stems, and sometimes a few leaves as well. Grappa is made by heating the pomace, causing it to produce steam, and then forcing the steam through a distillation column.

Freshly distilled grappa is colorless, with a strong odor of alcohol, and the alcohol content can vary from around 40 to 80% alcohol by volume. While grappa can be drunk fresh, most people like to age it, and the finest Italian grappa's are aged in wood, sometimes for extended periods of time. As grappa is aged in wood, it will acquire a warm honey color and a complex flavor. Just like wines, grappas taste very different, depending on where they come from, the grapes used, and the skill of the distiller.

Grappa is traditionally served at a cool temperature, with many people erring on the side of serving it too cold, because it can always be warmed with the hands until it releases its rich aroma. Typically, grappa is offered in a tulip shaped glass, and it may be drunk alone, or consumed with fruits, cheeses, and desserts. This beverage is typically served after a meal as a , in Italian parlance.

When you are looking for another choice for an after dinner drink, give some Grappa a try. I was very surprised on all of the different drink recipes there are out there. Here are a few to share.