Divine distillation

Divine distillation
Trentino-Alto Adige
Superalcolici
Magazine: November 2007

Trentino is the homeland of wine and therefore of grappa, happy discovery of the person who invented the practice of distillation.

On the national scene, Trentino produces little in respect to other regions: it has only thirty distilleries. This results, however, in top quality grappa, primarily because the grape juice is distilled while still very fresh. This is possible thanks to the discontinuous water-bath production method ensuring a delicate tasting grappa. The region’s diversity of vine species is also fundamental, yielding fresh juice eventually transformed into mountain wine making masterpieces. One of the most fascinating places in Trentino for grappa making is the Valley of the Lakes with Santa Massenza at its centre. The valley boasts no less than fi ve distilleries. Distillation takes place from mid September to mid October. The grappa then rests in bottles for months, while reserves are refi ned in aged or young (barrique) oak barrels. The expanse of Campo Roltaliano, kingdom of Teroldego grapevines, stretches from Lake Garda covering almost all of Trentino. Eleven distilleries are active here. Grappa derived from such vine species as rose Moscato and Traminer are innovatively distilled in double boiling alembics.

How grappa is categorized
The categorization of grappa is carried out according to age and the following production processes:
__Young or white grappa: bottled following distillation or after a period of “rest” in steel or glass containers. It does not have immediate transformations and is colourless with a delicate scent and with a dry, bold, clean taste.
__Reserve or aged grappa: left to age for at least 24 months in oak barrels. Straw-yellow to rich amber in colour, soft, delicate taste.
__Aromatic grappa: obtained from juice of aromatic grapes. For example: Moscato, Traminer, Müller Thurgau, etc.
__Spiced grappa: obtained with the addition of herbs, roots, or fruit imbuing it with aromas and perfumes. For example: grappa with gentian root, woodruff, blueberries, etc.