Marolo Grappa Di Barbaresco Vendemmia 2021 Italy 70 cl 44%

The Nebbiolo skins from the Barbaresco hills still held the warmth of the 2021 harvest when they reached the still. What comes out the other end is a clear, fragrant grappa with the vintage written straight into the glass.

Expert description

Marolo Grappa Di Barbaresco Vendemmia 2021 is an Italian grappa distilled from the pomace of Nebbiolo grapes from Barbaresco in Piedmont, bottled at 44% ABV.

The grappa comes from a distillery that has specialised since 1977 in distilling pomace from single grape varieties and vineyards rather than blending them together. The pomace from the 2021 harvest is distilled in small bain-marie stills, where the still is heated indirectly through a water bath so the fragile aroma compounds in the skins are not scorched away.

After distillation the grappa rests in stainless steel rather than wood, so it keeps the raw material's pure character without vanilla notes from a barrel. The result is a spirit that clearly smells and tastes of the grape and the vintage it comes from.

Tasting notes

Nose

The aroma is refined and gently sweet, with notes of red grapes, ripe apples and a touch of black pepper.

Palate

The palate is full and spicy, with hints of dried apricot, citrus peel and a faint bitter, biscuity undertone.

Finish

The finish is long and earthy, with a whisper of green wood and a warm alcoholic glow.

Specifications

Name: Marolo Grappa Di Barbaresco Vendemmia 2021
Distillery: Marolo
Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy
Type: Italian Grappa
ABV: 44%
Size: 70 CL
Distilled: 2021
Serving suggestion: Serve at 14-16 degrees in a tulip-shaped glass as a digestif after the meal

Flavour profile

Rustic · Peppery · Fresh grape aroma · Earthy · Full-bodied

Did you know?

Marolo distils red and white grape pomace in two entirely separate stills, because the two types of pomace need different heat handling to give the best possible result.

Shop our full range of Marolo Grappa

Frequently asked questions about Marolo Grappa Di Barbaresco Vendemmia 2021

What does "Vendemmia 2021" mean on the label?

Vendemmia is the Italian word for harvest or vintage. It tells you the grappa is distilled from pomace of Nebbiolo grapes from the 2021 harvest specifically, so it carries the character of that single vintage rather than being a blend of several years.

Which grape is used for this grappa?

The grappa is made from Nebbiolo, the same grape behind Barbaresco wine. The pomace comes from vineyards in the Barbaresco district of Piedmont.

Is the grappa aged in a cask?

No, this expression rests in stainless steel rather than wood. That preserves the grape's fresh, pure aromas instead of adding flavour from a barrel.

How does Barbaresco grappa differ from Barolo grappa?

Both are made from Nebbiolo, but from different districts. Barbaresco's soil and microclimate typically give a slightly more refined and less powerful character than Barolo, which can also be felt in the grappa.

What makes Marolo's distillation method distinctive?

Marolo distils in small bain-marie stills, where heat is applied indirectly through a water bath. The method is slower than direct heating, but it protects the floral and fruity aromas in the pomace.

How should a young, unaged grappa be stored after opening?

Store the bottle upright, cool and dark, with the cap sealed tightly. Since the grappa has not rested in a cask, it does not change noticeably in flavour during storage, but it should be enjoyed within a couple of years of opening for full aromatic strength.