Consumption of grappa

Before we ask what the rules are for drinking grappa, we can also ask what grappa is. Where and from what is it made? How can we tell if a grappa is good? There are so many questions that we will now try to answer.

What is grappa?

Grappa is a spirit from Italy. Spirits are higher-alcohol drinks and are made by distilling the raw material after alcoholic fermentation. These include gin and rum.

Grappa has an alcohol content of at least 37.5%, but most often between 40 and 46%. There are several varieties, the best ones are aged in oak barrels for months. Grappa made in this way may also be called ‘vecchia’. The grape marc left over from the winemaking process is used as the raw material. It is protected as a protected designation of origin, which means that only grappa made from grape marc grown and processed in Italy can be called grappa. Of course, the rules governing grappa also lay down the steps for its preparation.

Finished spirits may be flavoured or spiced, but this must always be indicated on the label.

Bottling can take place after or before ageing. If aged for at least 12 months, typically in oak barrels, it is called vecchia. If the ageing period reaches 18 months, it is called riserva or stravecchia.

Drinking Papale Oro Grappa

Unique to Borsuttogo is the Varvaglione Winery’s Papale Oro Grappa Riserva Barrique, made from the primitivo di manduria grape marc.

This wine is a great expression of the excellence of Puglia’s indigenous grape variety, primitivo. Aging in barrique barrels for 18 months gives it a richer, more expressive and sensual flavour.

Papale Primitivo di Manduria is a red wine with a taste of Italy, and its grape marc provides a great base for this grappa. It is the true embodiment of Manduria, bearing the terroir of the region. The high quality of the production is guaranteed from the grape harvesting stage, as the bunches are hand-harvested.

But back to the grappa and the consumption of Papale Oro Grappa! It is usually recommended to drink it after a meal, at room temperature. However, it is definitely worth nuancing this a little, as it can also be used as an aperitif.

Younger grappa is served cold, at a temperature of 8-9°C, in tall glasses. While Papale Oro Grappa Riserva Barrique – and older grappas like it – are best served at 16-18 degrees. This long-aged, special drink is served in a tasting glass and, combined with the right temperature, will taste best.

Interestingly, grappa, like all other spirits, was previously consumed as a medicine. Nowadays, it is a popular drink on its own, but in Italy it is also consumed in coffee, known as ‘caffe corretto’, or ‘improved coffee’.

An excellent gift

Papale Ora Grappa can also be given as a gift to loved ones. Such an exclusive and premium drink would certainly sweep anyone off their feet. And we also have packaging for it among our boxes.

Grappa is also better enjoyed in good company. If it is not given as a gift, it can be used to spice up a worthy occasion.

Whatever the case, Pepper Whisperer is here to help you order the Papale Oro Grappa to make any celebration sparkle.