The best grappas: Explore the best grappas: authentic flavours at affordable prices!

One of the most popular distillates in Italian homes is grappa. Grappa is a distillate produced solely from grape marc and is a very typical and representative distillate of Italy, particularly in Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli, Sicily, Piedmont and Trentino . Obviously, depending on the territory of origin and the type of grape used, grappa takes on different scents and aromas, giving rise to drinks that differ considerably. The grape marc used to produce grappa is fermented in order to activate the process of transforming sugars into alcohol. Distillation takes place in a short time so as to prevent the marc from deteriorating and compromising the quality of the product. A good grappa is recognisable by its clarity and a very intense white colour in the case of young grappas, or straw-coloured for older ones, and by the scent of alcohol that should not cover the other aromas. On xtraWine you can choose from a wide range of young, aromatic, aged and aromatised grappas from the best known producers of this distillate. The woody notes given by the ageing in barrels and the aromatic ones given by the presence of particular types of grapes to which roots or herbs are sometimes added are the elements that have contributed to the worldwide success of this distillate, pride of Italian production.

History and Tradition of Italian Grappas

The origins of Italian grappas date back to ancient times, possibly to the distillation practices ofAncient Egypt and Mesopotamia, revisited by medieval alchemists. Friuli-Venezia Giulia emerges as one of the first centres of development of these techniques, and legends handed down tell of the origins of distillation in Italy.

Over the centuries, from medieval times to the present day, farmers in the northern regions of Italy such as Friuli, Piedmont and Veneto wisely exploited the fresh marc from white and red wines by distilling it in discontinuous stills over direct fire. This ancient practice resulted in a clear, high alcohol distillate, traditionally drunk for warmth during work in the fields. Distilleria Bortolo Nardini in Bassano, founded in 1779, was the first modern distillery in Italy and contributed to theexpansion andincrease in quality of this national excellence by introducing the steam distillation technique that persists to this day. This method involves heating the stills with steam, allowing a more gradual and gentleboiling of the marc than with a direct flame.

From 1898, Distilleria Bocchino in Canelli, Piedmont, introduced aromatic grappa, made exclusively from the marc of Moscato. From the 1970s, the Friuli-based Nonino family launched single-grape distillates, made from a single grape variety, contributing to anincrease in productionquality.

Today, renowned Italian distilleries produce grappas, such as Domenis in Friuli, Francoli in Piedmont and Jacopo Poli in Veneto, as well as small artisans who preserve traditional methods, such as the use of discontinuous stills. Names such as Vittorio Gianni Capovilla, Gino Barile and Romano Levi stand out for fine grappas, each with their own mastery.

The best fine grappas to give as a gift

Your companion in the discovery of Italian grappas. Our range includes the best brands and a variety of types, from classicto innovative. Explore the world of grappas on xtraWine and find the perfect bottle, whether you are an expert or a neophyte.