The Steps
-
1. Grappa comes from the distillation of the leftover skin, seeds, and stems of grapes that have been made into wine. Most grappas are made from just one type of grape, but there are some that use multiple varietals. 00:06
-
2. Some contemporary grappas are aged in barrels, so that the flavor of the wood can be infused into the liquor. 00:30
-
3. Grappa is often referred to as “firewater” because of it potent flavor and high alcohol content. The liquor can be consumed straight, or paired with other ingredients for a cocktail. Bryan recommends using Grappa is a citrus cocktail, as the flavors balance each other. 00:49
-
4. Jacopo Poli Chiara di Moscato is a sweet grappa that has subtle fruity and citrus flavor notes. Mazzetti is made from Barbera grapes, giving it a more robust flavor. Nonino lo Chardonnay has been aged for 8 to 10 months, and has a distinct golden hue. 01:22
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- Grappa
Chef Notes
Grappa is an Italian alcohol which is made by distilling pomace, the leftovers of winemaking. Pomace often including grape seeds, skins, stalks, stems, and leaves. The name itself is a reference to this process, as it means “grape stems” in an Italian dialect.
Grappa typically contains an alcohol content ranging from 35 to 70 percent.
There are two types of grappa. "Grappa bianca" is a clear grappa that is bottled after it is distilled. "Grappa riserva" is an amber-hued grappa that is put into barrels for aging after it is distilled.
The name “grappa” is protected by the European Union law to ensure that it can only be produced in Italy.
Traditionally, grappa is served either at room
temperature or chilled in small glasses and served after the meal, as the
Italians believe that it aids digestion. Grappa can also be consumed as a cocktail, or added to espresso to make a drink called a caffè coretto (corrected coffee).
Comments
Sign up to leave a comment