Grappa

Question 1

Definition of Grappa

Answer 1

• a pomace brandy or “Marc Brandy” exclusively from Italy

Question 2

Pomace

Answer 2

The skin and pulp of sound, ripe grapes, citrus or other fruit after the withdrawal of juice or wine therefrom

Question 3

Origin

Answer 3

Comes from the Italian word “graspo” referring to the stem of the grape

Question 4

Grappa Requirements

Answer 4

Not less than 37.5%ABV and 40%ABV for grappa with geographical indications with majority of distilleries in Veneto

Question 5

Raw Material

Answer 5

Vinaccia: (Marc)

Fermented- has a phonic content because it was fermented with grape must

Partially Fermented- nearly always from white grapes, not fully fermented with the grape must of the wine

Question 6

Six Regions for Artisanal Production

Answer 6

• Peidmont
• Lombardy
• Veneto
• Trentino
• Upper Adige - South Tyrol
• Friuli Venezia Guilia

Question 7

Distillation

Answer 7

-Discontinuous Cycle Stills,
Artisan, flowing steam pot stills, double boiler “Bain Marie” stills, direct fire stills
-Continuous Cycle Stills,
Industrial Production

Question 8

Distillation Operation

Answer 8

• Pots are filled with fermented Marc, then heated
• the Marc is rectified to remove head and tails
• distillate obtained is between 65 and 85%ABV
• alcohol content is reduced by adding water between 37.5% to 60%ABV

Question 9

Styles

Answer 9

-Giovane(Young): remains in stainless steel until bottling
-Aromatica(Aromatic): made from aromatic grapes
-Affinata(Refined): aged less than 12 months in wooden barrels
-Invecchiata or Vecchia(Aged or Old): bottled after aging for 12 to 18 months in wooden barrels
-Stravecchia or Riserva(Very Old or Reserve): aged for more than 18 months
-Single Variety: from the marc of one variety of grape
-Polivitigno(Poly-variety): cuvée of single grape varieties belonging to the same family but different clone, provenance, ripening period, harvest times and vintification method
Aromatizzata(Flavoured): natural substance was placed in infusion after the distillation