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Briefly about the drink
Grappa – a strong alcoholic drink, traditional in Italy, produced by distilling grape pomace. Grappa is often mistakenly called brandy, although this is incorrect. Brandy is a product of the distillation of wort, and grappa is a pulp.
Grappa has a pale to deep amber color and ranges from 36% to 55% ABV. Aging in oak barrels is optional for it.
Grappa can reveal characteristic notes of nutmeg, aromas of flowers and grapefruit, hints of exotic fruits, candied fruits, spices and oak wood.
How grappa is made
Previously, grappa was not something special, since it was produced for the disposal of winemaking waste, and peasants were its main consumers.
Winemaking waste includes pulp – this is spent grape cake, stalks and pits of berries. The quality of the future drink directly depends on the quality of the pulp.
However, grappa was seen as a source of great profit and mass production was launched. At the same time, pulp, which remained after the production of elite wines, increasingly became the raw material for it.
In the production of grappa, pomace from red grape varieties is mainly used. They are doused with water vapor under pressure to obtain a liquid in which alcohol remains after fermentation. Pomace from white varieties is rarely used.
Next comes distillation. Copper distillation stills, alambicas, and distillation columns can also be used. Since copper cubes leave a maximum of aromatic substances in alcohol, the best grappa is produced in them.
After distillation, grappa can be immediately bottled or sent for aging in barrels. The barrels used are different – from the famous Limousin oak from France, chestnut or forest cherry. In addition, some farms insist grappa on herbs and fruits.
Grappa classification by aging
Young, Вianka
Giovani, Bianca – young or colorless transparent grappa. It is bottled immediately or aged for a short time in stainless steel tanks.
It has a simple aroma and taste, as well as a low price, which is why it is very popular in Italy.
Refined
Affinata – it is also called “has been in the tree”, as its aging period is 6 months.
It has a delicate and harmonious taste and a dark shade.
Stravecchia, Rizerva или Very Old
Stravecchia, Riserva or Very Old – “very old grappa”. It acquires a rich golden hue and a strength of 40-50% in 18 months in a barrel.
Aged in barrels of
Ivekiata in botti da – “aged in a barrel”, and after this inscription its type is indicated. The taste and aromatic qualities of grappa directly depend on the type of barrel. The most common options are port or sherry casks.
How to drink grappa
White or grappa with a short exposure is traditionally cooled to 6-8 degrees, and more noble examples are served at room temperature.
Both versions use a special glass goblet called grappaglass, which is shaped like a tulip with a narrow waist. It is also possible to serve the drink in cognac glasses.
It is not recommended to drink grappa in one gulp or in shots, as this will lose notes of almonds, fruits, berries and spices. It is preferable to use it in small sips in order to feel the whole bouquet of aroma and taste.
What to drink grappa with
Grappa is a versatile drink. It perfectly copes with the role of a digestif, it is appropriate when changing dishes, it is good as an independent drink. Grappa is used in cooking – when cooking shrimp, marinating meat, making desserts and cocktails with it. Grappa is drunk with lemon and sugar, with chocolate.
In northern Italy, coffee with grappa is popular, Caffe Corretto – “correct coffee”. You can try this drink at home too. You will need:
Finely ground coffee – 10 g
Grappa – 20 ml
Water – 100-120 ml
A quarter teaspoon of salt
Sugar to taste
Mix the dry ingredients in a Turkish pot and heat over low heat, then add water and brew an espresso. When the coffee is ready, pour it into a cup and mix it with the grappa.
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Relevance: 29.06.2021
Tags: brandy and cognac