Freshly cut grass, geranium and a hint of violets — not a description of a spring garden, but of a grappa that insists on being crisp and direct rather than soft and round.
Expert description
Poli di Poli Merlot Secca Dry Grappa is an Italian Grappa at 40% from Poli Distillerie in Schiavon, Veneto, distilled from the marc of the Merlot grape.
"Secca" means dry, and the term refers to a tactile sensation in the mouth rather than an actual flavour — a slightly crisp, almost crackling sensation that arises when the marc is handled and distilled with a focus on preserving the grape's natural acids. The Merlot grape contributes a characteristic note of freshly cut grass and red flowers, judged by the distillery's technical staff as distinctly "dry" compared with the softer PO di Poli expressions.
After harvest, the marc is distilled in small batches with a discontinuous copper still fitted with steam pots, yielding a well-structured grappa without roughness or aggressiveness, yet with a warming, almost crackling sensation on the tongue.
Tasting notes
Nose
Red grapes, strawberries, blackberries and blackcurrants, supported by freshly cut grass and red flowers such as geranium, rose and violets.
Palate
Dry and direct with a slightly crackling warmth, giving a distinct dry sensation rather than sweetness.
Finish
Short to medium, clean and fresh, with a lingering hint of red flowers.
Specifications
Name: Poli di Poli Merlot Secca Dry Grappa
Distillery: Poli Distillerie
Region/Country: Veneto, Italy
Type: Italian Grappa
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 cl
Distillation method: Discontinuous copper still with steam pots
Serving suggestion: 10-15°C in a tulip-shaped glass
Flavour profile
Freshly cut grass · Red flowers · Red berries · Dry · Crackling warmth
Did you know?
Poli itself distinguishes technically between "dry" and "smooth" grappa purely by the tactile sensation in the mouth, not by sweetness, and Secca is the distillery's own definition of how a dry Merlot grappa should be experienced.
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