Grappa Nonino Merlot Italy 70 cl 41%

Merlot gives dark, fruit-laden red wine, but the pomace left behind is distilled crystal clear. In the glass, none of the dark grape's colour remains, only its aroma, preserved in a pure distillate.

Expert description

Grappa Nonino Merlot is an Italian Grappa distilled from fresh pomace of the Merlot grape and bottled at 41% ABV without any cask ageing.

The Nonino family has distilled in Percoto in Friuli-Venezia Giulia since 1897 and invented single-varietal grappa when Benito and Giannola Nonino distilled the pomace of a single grape variety on its own for the first time on 1 December 1973. The family still personally handles the purchase of pomace and oversees the entire distillation process to preserve the character of each individual grape variety.

The Merlot pomace is collected fresh and soft from selected vineyards and ferments under vacuum in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature immediately after pressing, avoiding the off-flavours a slower fermentation would bring. The grappa then rests for six months to a year in stainless steel before bottling without added colour. Bartender Joerg Meyer used this exact grappa to create the cocktail "Merlot Mojito" for Bar Convent Berlin, an Italian twist on the classic.

Tasting notes

Nose

Soft and round, with a clear touch of rose petals and the stones of ripe cherries.

Palate

Crystalline and round on the palate, with no sharp edges, showing a fruity freshness reminiscent of freshly pressed must.

Finish

The finish is soft and medium in length, with the scent of rose petals lingering quietly in the background.

Specifications

Name: Grappa Nonino Merlot
Distillery: Nonino
Region/Country: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Type: Italian Grappa
ABV: 41%
Size: 70 cl
Distillation method: 100% distilled with artisanal method in copper stills
EAN no.: 80543176
Serving suggestion: At about 12°C in a closed tulip glass

Flavour profile

Round · Rose petals · Cherry stone · Soft · Fruity

Did you know?

Nonino itself recommends pouring a couple of spoonfuls of this grappa over a risotto right after toasting the rice, or into the pan halfway through roasting meat, an old kitchen tradition from Friuli.

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Frequently asked questions about Grappa Nonino Merlot

Why is the grappa clear when Merlot is a red grape?

Grappa is distilled from pomace, meaning the skins and seeds left after winemaking, not from the wine itself. Distillation removes the colour pigment, leaving the grappa crystal clear while the grape's aroma is preserved.

What aromas characterise this grappa?

Rose petals and cherry stones are the most prominent, supported by a round, soft structure on the palate.

Can the grappa be used in cooking?

Yes, a spoonful can be added to a freshly toasted risotto or poured into the pan halfway through roasting meat to bring out the aromas.

Have any cocktails been made with this grappa?

Yes, among others the "Merlot Mojito", created by bartender Joerg Meyer for Bar Convent Berlin as an Italian take on the mojito classic.

How is the grappa best served?

At around 12°C in a closed tulip glass that gives the aromas room to unfold.

How long does an opened bottle keep?

As a spirit with no cask ageing in the bottle, an opened bottle stays in good condition for several years if kept dark and tightly sealed.