Grappa is an Italian alcoholic drink typically enjoyed after meals. It usually has a burning sensation as some people describe it. This has to do with the relatively high alcohol content. Italians typically drink it as a digestif, locally known as digestivo, which is a “digestion aiding” liquor.
The drink is fragrant and very refreshing after meals. Sommeliers, who are experts in wine tasting, normally categorize the drink according to production methods, grapes used, and periods of contact with casks among other attributions. Hence, there are some young Grappas, while others might be aged in special barrels. Moreover, the drink comes in various shades and colours, but the most typical is the clear white one.
How is Grappa Made?
Grappa is perhaps one of the most sustainable drinks on Earth, why? Simply because it is made by re-using leftovers of the winery cellar activities. Actually, after the vinification process is over, a lot of organic waste is produced. The latter is composed of the compressed grapes’ skins, seeds, stems and some other residues. These are known in the winemaking world as pomace. Therefore, historically the Italians used their resourcefulness in finding a way so that these leftovers are not dumped into the vineyard. The process of throwing the pomace has negative effects on limiting biodiversity. Microorganisms like yeast present in this pomace will dominate the natural microflora in the vineyards. Hence, heating this pomace and distill it to produce Grappa is the perfect solution.
Therefore, the drink is prepared by heating the pressed grapes and pomace then distilling it. A lot of heat and steam are the base of the distillation process and it is continuous, in the sense that it is repeated several times. Grappa is not directly palatable after distillation as the alcohol will be higher than the set percentage. It is normally 40 to 45% according to Italian standards.
Where is Grappa Made?
The drink has to be made in Italy to be authentic, while respecting all parameters of production and content. Several regions in Italy that are normally producing wine, are also producing Grappa. Many of these regions are in the Northern part of Italy, yet all of the Italian Peninsula contributes in making the drink. Even the very southern part of the country including the Island of Sicily has production facilities. Some of the most notable regions producing the drink are:
-del Trentino
-di Barolo
-Bassano del Grappa
How to Drink Grappa?
Traditionally the drink is savored at the end of a long meal by giving the digestive system a boost while simultaneously relaxing the person drinking it and cleansing the palate. However, some people like to end their meals with coffee, so how to fix this inconvenience? The solution is to mix both Grappa and coffee and this marriage is called caffè corretto. But if you like to drink one before the other, then there is also a solution for that. This process is called ammazzacaffè, where first you sip your coffee and then the Grappa. Hence, the Italians have figured out everything, you just need to sit back and relax while following their way of enjoying life.
That was a quick overview about the Italian Grappa and how to enjoy it. It is always advisable to drink responsibly and moderately. This is historically the basis of drinking and gathering on one table to convivially enjoy a meal from start to finish.
