Grappa

Old Aug 20th, 2006, 12:42 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Grappa

On my first trip to Italy I tasted grappa for the first time and thought it was the worst stuff I'd ever tasted...close to jet fuel. I couldn't believe anything could be THAT bad and so I kept tasting until I found one I actually liked and brought it home. It was La Castellina Grappa Riserva (Castellina in Chianti). I intend to bring a bottle or two back in October but wonder if anyone can recommend one they've enjoyed from the Chianti or Montalcino area that I should try...or am I the only person who actually enjoys the stuff. Also...can anyone recommend an interesting "digestive". I bought one called Viparo in Umbria a few years ago and would like to find another similar one to bring home.

raindame is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 01:03 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 10,880
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Can't help you in getting the grappa but one of my favourite drinks while in Tessin or Italia is: Coretto Grappa. Himmelisch!
kleeblatt is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 01:17 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You added the magic word, "Riserva". The difference is amazing. We tasted some Grappa Riserva outside of Montalcino last year against regular grappa at the same tasting. I think jet fuel is being a little kind to regular Grappa, but the Riserva was excellent!!! We were at the Altesino Winery for a tour and tasting. You can book on-line at http://www.altesino.it/en/visita.php
Their Brunello, Rosso, and Super Tuscan were excellent also.
[email protected]
2Italy is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 01:28 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the suggestions! I've been trying to decide which wineries to visit in the Montalcino area and have looked at the Altesino web site. Your comments just put it on the list. Thanks for the suggestions!
raindame is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 01:45 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Can't help you with the Grappa, however here are 2 suggestions for digestivos:

Averna - herbal-like flavor (almost medicinal), I think it tastes similar to B&B.
Limoncello - sweet and tasty!

You might also enjoy a sparkling wine (similar to champagne)--I think it's called Prosetto.
Kaneohe is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 02:00 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Prosecco - from the Veneto region. A nice refreshing sparkler that can range from dry to quite sweet. Not nearly as complex as champagne, but only a fraction of the price. Mixed with white peach juice it's a Bellini, invented at Harry's Bar in Venice.
FlyFish is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 02:17 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm with you about Grappa. It may be an acquired taste, but I acquired it last year. As we were finishing lunch at the Taverna at Fattoria dei Barbi outside Montalcino, the host wouldn't let us leave without something for the digestivo, Grappa dei Barbi. Oh my, heavenly! But the best I've had is from Castel San Michele in Trento. So smooth. And another thing I've noticed is my bottle of grappa di chianti is 38% proof; the Trentino is 43%. Some sources say that is where it was first developed. Another liqueur to check out is a Benedictine-like liqueur at the gift shop at St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. It's brewed by the Benedictine Monks who take care of the cathedral. Talk about heavenly - I think they have a direct connection. When we go back to Rome next year, it's on our must-do list! But get a bigger bottle this time!
toni_g_b is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 03:08 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yum, the St Paul outside the walls walnut liquer is wonderful and not available anywhere else. I am getting some this fall at the request of various relatives. Guess I'll have to check it on the plane back.

And the best grappa that we have had came from Asolo.
Saraho is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 03:30 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
As far as a "digestif" goes, the most famous one from Italy is Fernet Branca. It has been around since 1845, and is made from a secret blend of "selected blossoms and rare aromatics". Truly an aquired taste, but the Europeans with whom I have talked swear by it.

We have had a bottle in my liquor cabinet for over ten years, and only trot it out when we want to show guests the lengths folks will go to soothe their stomachs.

nukesafe is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 04:17 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,534
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
Nukesafe, You must read "Cooking with Fernet Branca" by James Hamilton Paterson. This satiracal black comedy in Tuscany is like "Debt of Pleasure"
that takes place in Provence at times.
Grappa, like Calvados will taste like fire water if you don't find the quality brands...not inexpensive!
cigalechanta is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 06:16 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,534
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
ttt
cigalechanta is offline  
Old Aug 20th, 2006, 06:22 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do people really enjoy that stuff? It all tastes so much like paint thinner to me.
Cato is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DeborahAnn
Europe
15
Aug 14th, 2012 02:55 PM
PurpleNeon
Europe
6
Jun 6th, 2008 05:35 AM
adventureseeker
Europe
10
Aug 30th, 2007 10:45 AM
Bethie020780
Europe
6
Aug 3rd, 2007 02:00 AM
marcielee
Europe
5
Sep 2nd, 2003 02:04 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -