Grappa Flashcards
Where only can grappa be made?
Italy, the Italian part of Switzerland, and San Marino.
What are the three styles of grappa?
- Unaged ( - traditional; in steel tank for a year min)
- Aged ( - in oak, chestnut, accacia, cherrywood or ash, for several years)
- Flavoured ( - infused with medicinal herbs/berries/honey)
What is it made from?
Leftover grape skins. Can be all white, all red or a mixture. Grappas made from muscat of gewurtztraminer can be very expressive of their grape origin.
What are the two age levels allowed on labels?
- Vecchia, or invecchiata - 12 months min.
2. Riserva, or stravecchia - 18 months min.
How many grape varieties can be used on the label?
A maximum of 2. If 1 85% must be from that variety. If 2, a total of 85% must be from those varieties.
What is the difference in the way types of pomace have to be treated?
From black grapes has alcohol in it so can be distilled immediately.
From white grapes has to be fermented first.
The pomace has to be what?
Fresh and free of taint. Transported quickly. Close collaboration with the winery needed.
What type of distillation does the pomace go through?
Both by batch and continuously.
How is the pomace heated in all types of distillation?
By steam or bain-marie. Water cannot be added to the pomace.
Describe batch distillation of pomace.
Steam alambic pot still.
Marc (400kg) of pomace put in in four baskets, one on top of the other.
Steam introduced.
Phlegma, solution containing 25% alcohol, flows to base of distillation column.
9 bubble caps.
Distilled to 75% abv.
Heads and tails discarded.
What are the proportions of heads, heart and tails?
2 litres heads
15-20 litres hearts
3 litres tails.
How many bottles of grappa are made in relation to wine?
100kg of grapes produces
100 bottles of wine
3 bottles of grappa
What can be added to grappa?
20g of sugar per litre.
Caramel, if aged for 12 months or longer.
Are pomace brandies found elsewhere in the world?
Yes, all over it.
When bottled what strength is grappa?
Between 35 and 60% abv.
