Random Grappa Facts Flashcards
This denotes a grappa which is bottled soon after production and which has not been stored or kept in wooden containers.
Giovane (young) or bianca (white)
What are the characteristics of Giovane grappas?
They have no color, they have a delicate aroma as well as a dry and clean taste.
This denotes a grappa which is bottled after having been aged for a period not longer than 12 months in wooden containers.
Affinata (aged)
This denotes a grappa which is bottled after having been aged for a period of time from 12 to 18 months in wooden containers
invecchiata or vecchia
This denotes a grappa which is bottled after having been aged for longer than 18 months
Stravecchia or riserva
This denotes a grappa which is produced with aromatic or semi-aromatic grapes
aromatica
What are four examples of aromatic grapes used to make grappa?
Muscat blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muller Thurgau, Malvasia
This denotes a grappa which is produced with the pomace of a single variety of grape
Monovitigno (mono-varietal)
This denotes a grappa produced with the pomace of many varieties of grapes
Polivitigno (poly-varietal)
This denotes a grappa that has been mixed with one or more aromatic vegetal essences
Aromatizzata (aromatized)
What is grappa?
A brandy made from grapes’ pommace.
How is grappa produced?
By distilling fermented pomace which has been used to produce wine.
How does grappa differ from Cognac?
They are both brandies, however grappa is made by distilling solid matter.
What are the four ways in which grappa is categorized?
Age, type of aging technique, grape or grapes used to produce it, the vegetal essences used to aromatize it
Can every category of grappa be combined with others to create a specific classification of grappa (e.g. grappa monovitigno riserva?
Yes
According to Italian Law, what is the permissible range of ABV for grappa?
38% - 60%
What is “virgin” pomace?
Pomace used for the making of white wine, which is not macerated in the must during alcoholic fermentation.
Why is white wine pomace called “virgin” pomace?
They are rich in sugars and have no alcohol. They must be fermented before distillation.
How does a grappa maker weed out unwanted substances in a grappa?
By scrupulously controlling the temperature while heating the pomace to be distilled. Different substances have different boiling points and thus can be isolated at specific temperatures.
What do grappa makers call the process of eliminating unwanted substances?
Cutting heads and tails.
What are the desirable substances distilled from pomace called?
The heart.
Why is it necessary to add distilled or demineralized water at the end of the distillation process?
The ABV will be around 60 to 75%.
What is the last step in the distillation of grappa before aging?
Filtering. The addition of water will turn the liquid cloudy, and it will need to be filtered. Filtration also removes some more unwanted substances.
How is the filtration step made easier?
By chilling the grappa to a very low temperature.
