Drinks similiar to Rakia - Grappa

Grappa is a fragrant grape-based pomace brandy of Italian origin. It means 'grape stalk' for the reason that most grappa is made by distilling grape pomace left over from wine making after pressing. As is most rakia styled spirit it was originally made to prevent waste by using leftovers at the end of the wine season. Then it became commercialised and sold worldwide. Prima uva is made with the whole grapes which are sometimes used. the alcohol content ranges from 40% to 45 % but can go either side of this like many other rakia styled spirits.

Northern Italy was where grappa was originally made and is usually served as a digestive after-dinner drink. It is said to aid the digestion of a heavy meal. Grappa may also an additive to espresso coffee to create a 'caffe corretto' or 'corrected coffee'. Grappe is regularly served alongside 'ammazza caffe meaning killer coffee. The coffee is drunk first then a glass of grappa poured in the remains in the coffee cup swirled and drunk.

Among the most well-known producers of grappa are Nonino, Berta, Sibona, Nardini, Jacopo Poli, Brotto, Domenis and Bepi Tosolini. These grappas are produced in big quantities and much of it exported. However there are many smaller grappa producing companies all with different and individual characters.

Grappa is clear spirit, although some may retain very faint pigments from their grape pomace. It is a fashion now for the aged grappas to be very popular. These have a yellow or red-brown tint from the barrels in which they are stored.