Grappa ¡Delicioso Italian digestive!

do you know Grappa? Italy is a European country full of history, its rich gastronomy does not escape the liking of thousands of people who seek to enjoy unique and special flavors, and of course its liqueurs are part of that diversity. Grappa is one of the most famous liqueurs in Italy, and it is nowadays one of the most appreciated in the world thanks to its great quality.

what is Grappa?

Grappa is an eau-de-vie made from grape pomace and its seeds. It has an alcohol content ranging from 38 to 60 degrees and is obtained by distillation. Its flavor depends on the type and quality of the grapes used for its production.

Origin of Grappa

The exact beginning of the birth of grappa is unknown, however the first written reference dates back to 1451 when Enrico, in his will, left the formula of an acua vitae which he called Grap. Some experts even point out that the eau-de-vie probably had its historical origin in ancient Egypt, as they prepared eau-de-vie from the waste of the grapes used for wines. In countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, among other European nations, there are records of the manufacture of grape marc brandy for more than 500 years.

The first mentions of authentic grappa appear during the Middle Ages, when its production was perfected, and it was prepared to take advantage as much as possible of the wine’s raw material, i.e., grapes, and thus avoid any waste.

Gradually over the years it became popular and its recipe was perfected. The authentic Italian grappa as it is known today was born in Bassano del Grappa and is about 400 years old and has been part of the Italian culinary heritage ever since.

what is Italian Grappa made from?

Grappa is an eau-de-vie made in Italy, and uses exclusively Picolit grapes for its production. It uses the residues derived from fermented and pressed grape bunches to make wine, which generates a delicious liqueur.

how is Grappa made?

Grappa is a spirit made from the must of the finished wine, using the most concentrated pieces in aromas, which are contained in the skins of the vine and are responsible for generating a liqueur with distinctive aromas.

For its distillation, the discontinuous method or the continuous method in large stills can be used. The batch method generally produces a fine, good quality product, while the continuous method produces a lighter alcohol with a lower aromatic load. Once the grape skins have been harvested, a firmer pressing is carried out to convert it into a base paste, which, mixed with water, is fermented. Fermentation is a chemical process in which enzymes from the grape skins are present, transforming sugar into alcohol.

Once the fermentation phase is completed, the resulting liquid is heated to 80 degrees, at which point only the wine alcohol evaporates, passing through a series of spirals until it is cooled again, condensed and poured into another vat, resulting in grappa.

The resulting distilled alcohol has a very high alcohol content of over 80%, so pure water is added to reduce it and obtain the appropriate grappa, which has a concentration of 40%. Once the entire distillation process has been completed and the product has been verified, the liquid is aged, resulting in three types of grappa: Young Grappa This is the transparent, clear and bright grappa.

This liquor has to spend at least one year in stainless steel tanks before being released for sale. Grappa Reposada It is the grappa that spends some time in wooden barrels, being precisely the wood responsible for giving it the flavor refinement. It is identified thanks to its golden color and its brilliance will depend on the time it spends in the barrels, its predominant aromatic notes will be vanilla, tobacco and honey.

Flavored Grappa It is the grappa that has been infused with fruits, herbs, honey, trying to give a different profile of flavors and is usually the most used by those who start in the world of grappa tasting, as it is usually sweeter and friendlier.

How to drink Grappa correctly

Grappa is a liqueur with a high alcohol content, so most Italians prefer it as a digestif that usually accompanies after-dinner drinks. It is drunk correctly in a tulip-style glass, which allows you to breathe the aromas of the distillate. It can be taken after finishing the coffee, or it can be added directly to the cup to turn it into a coffee corretto, of exquisite flavor, combination this very popular during the cold months in Italy. Other followers always have a glass of grappa after a big meal, as it aids digestion, and it is also used as an important ingredient in recipes for sweets and casseroles.

+3 Grappa cocktail recipes that will take your breath away

Grappa is a strong drink with a lot of personality, its quality and fame have managed to capture the attention of people looking to innovate in the world of cocktails, so we bring three recipes that you can not miss.

Italian Milk Punch

A delicious combination of flavors that will leave you breathless, a perfect recipe to share with your loved ones. Ingredients what are the ingredients of an Italian Milk Punch?

• 1 1/2 parts brandy
• 1/4 part galliano
• 1/2 part grappa
• 1/3 part amaretto liqueur
• 3 1/2 parts milk
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Ice

How to prepare it’s a delicious recipe that will surprise you!

1. Place the ice together with the liqueurs and the milk in a cocktail shaker
2. Shake well for a few seconds to integrate all the liqueurs
3. Strain and serve in a cocktail glass
4. Garnish with a teaspoon of nutmeg

Grapparita A delicious recipe that will not go unnoticed, its flavor and freshness will make it a delightful companion. Ingredients what ingredients are needed to prepare this recipe?

• 2 parts grappa
• 1 part limocello
• 1 part natural lemon juice
• 1/2 part lemon soda
• Ice
• 1 twist of lemon

How to prepare follow these simple instructions and prepare a delicious recipe!

1. Place the ice together with the grappa, limoncello and lemon juice in a shaker
2. Shake well for a few seconds
3. Strain and serve in a chilled champagne glass
4. Top up to fill with the lemon soda
5. Garnish with the lemon twist

Grappacino

A perfect recipe to surprise coffee lovers, its flavor achieves the perfect balance to envelop any palate. Ingredients what ingredients are used to prepare a grappacino?

• 2 parts grappa
• 1/2 part amaretto liqueur
• 1/2 part sugar syrup
• 1 part hot coffee
• 3 coffee beans

How to prepare it dare to taste a unique cocktail!

1. Place the liqueurs together with the sugar syrup and the hot coffee in a cocktail shaker
2. Shake well for a few seconds
3. Serve in a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with coffee beans