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.

Can't help you in getting the grappa but one of my favourite drinks while in Tessin or Italia is: Coretto Grappa. Himmelisch!

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.
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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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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, 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!

ttt

Do people really enjoy that stuff? It all tastes so much like paint thinner to me.