Single and Multi-Varietal Grappa
In the vast universe of spirits, Grappa stands out for its diversity and complexity. Among the various categories that define its characteristics, the debate between single-varietal and multi-varietal Grappa is a focal point for connoisseurs and enthusiasts of this quintessential Italian distillate.
Multi-varietal Grappa refers to a Grappa whose raw material is the result of a skillful blend of pomace from different grape varieties. The variety and percentage of pomace used can vary significantly from one producer to another, resulting in a wide range of Grappa with distinct aromatic and taste profiles.
Single-varietal Grappa, on the other hand, is made exclusively from the pomace of a single grape variety. This specific choice allows for the enhancement of the unique aromatic and taste characteristics of the selected grape variety. Typically, the variety used is clearly indicated on the product label, providing the consumer with a precise indication of the origin and characteristics of the Grappa in question.
Multi-varietal Grappa refers to a Grappa whose raw material is the result of a skillful blend of pomace from different grape varieties. The variety and percentage of pomace used can vary significantly from one producer to another, resulting in a wide range of Grappa with distinct aromatic and taste profiles.
Single-varietal Grappa, on the other hand, is made exclusively from the pomace of a single grape variety. This specific choice allows for the enhancement of the unique aromatic and taste characteristics of the selected grape variety. Typically, the variety used is clearly indicated on the product label, providing the consumer with a precise indication of the origin and characteristics of the Grappa in question.
When did Single-Varietal Grappa originate?
The practice of distilling pomace from a single grape variety has deep roots in the history of Grappa.
Evidence of this can be found in the numerous bottles of Moscato, Malvasia, or Prosecco Grappa preserved in the Grappateca at the Poli Grappa Museum in Schiavon, dating from the early 1900s to the mid-1930s.
The promotion of the term "monovitigno" in the early 1970s merely formalized an ancient tradition. This definition has contributed to further prestige and value for single-varietal Grappa, emphasizing its authenticity, its connection to a long history of artisanal excellence, and, last but not least, a strong and deep bond with the territory from which it originates.
A single-variety Grappa is therefore not better than a multi-variety Grappa obtained from a cuvée of different grape varieties, since it is other factors that determine the quality of a Grappa, and in particular the freshness of the grape skin.
The first single-variety Grappa:
Watch the video with Jacopo Poli.
Evidence of this can be found in the numerous bottles of Moscato, Malvasia, or Prosecco Grappa preserved in the Grappateca at the Poli Grappa Museum in Schiavon, dating from the early 1900s to the mid-1930s.
The promotion of the term "monovitigno" in the early 1970s merely formalized an ancient tradition. This definition has contributed to further prestige and value for single-varietal Grappa, emphasizing its authenticity, its connection to a long history of artisanal excellence, and, last but not least, a strong and deep bond with the territory from which it originates.
A single-variety Grappa is therefore not better than a multi-variety Grappa obtained from a cuvée of different grape varieties, since it is other factors that determine the quality of a Grappa, and in particular the freshness of the grape skin.
The first single-variety Grappa:
Watch the video with Jacopo Poli.
