Tre Fontane Grappa Chardonnay All Eucalyptus 50 cl 40%

South of Rome, where the Trappist monks of Tre Fontane Abbey once planted eucalyptus trees to drain a marshy, malaria-ridden landscape, a distinct tradition of liqueur and grappa-making took root. In this bottle, a whole eucalyptus leaf sits visibly in the liquid.

Expert description

Tre Fontane Grappa Chardonnay All Eucalyptus is an Italian Grappa at 40% ABV, distilled from the pomace of Chardonnay grapes and flavoured with eucalyptus leaves by the Trappist monks of Abbazia delle Tre Fontane south of Rome.

The abbey's historic distillery, the Liquorificio dell'Abbazia Tre Fontane, dates back to 1873, when the monks began putting to use the eucalyptus trees they had planted around 1870 to drain the marshy, malaria-ridden land surrounding the abbey. Turning eucalyptus into liqueurs and extracts has remained part of the abbey's production ever since.

For this grappa, the monks select the pomace from Chardonnay grapes themselves, which is distilled and then infused with eucalyptus leaves from the abbey's own trees. A whole leaf is left inside the bottle as a visible mark of the method, and the result is a grappa where balsamic eucalyptus notes meet the soft, delicate character of the Chardonnay pomace.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose is fresh and balsamic with clear eucalyptus, supported by a delicate, lightly floral undercurrent from the Chardonnay grape.

Palate

The palate is soft and clean with a cooling, menthol-like sensation that glides elegantly alongside the grappa's natural grape sweetness.

Finish

The finish is fresh and relatively short, with a lingering, cleansing eucalyptus note.

Specifications

Name: Tre Fontane Grappa Chardonnay All Eucalyptus
Distillery: Tre Fontane
Region/Country: Lazio, Italy
Type: Italian Grappa
ABV: 40%
Size: 50 cl
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled in a narrow glass, ideally as a digestif after a meal.

Flavour profile

Eucalyptus · Menthol · Floral · Fresh · Cleansing

Did you know?

The monks at Tre Fontane originally planted eucalyptus trees to drain the land around the abbey and combat malaria - today the same trees form the basis of the abbey's signature liqueurs and this grappa.

Frequently asked questions about Tre Fontane Grappa Chardonnay All Eucalyptus

Why is there a leaf inside the bottle?

A whole eucalyptus leaf from the abbey's own trees is left inside the bottle as a visible part of the flavouring and a signature feature of the product.

Who produces the grappa?

The grappa is produced by the Trappist monks of Abbazia delle Tre Fontane south of Rome, whose distillery dates back to 1873.

Why does the abbey use eucalyptus specifically?

The monks planted eucalyptus trees around the abbey in the late 19th century to drain marshy, malaria-ridden land, and have since used the leaves in several of their liqueurs and this grappa.

Which grape is behind the grappa?

The grappa is distilled from the pomace of Chardonnay grapes before being flavoured with eucalyptus leaves.

How is the grappa best served?

Chilled in a narrow glass, ideally as a digestif after a meal, where the fresh eucalyptus notes come into their own.

Can the grappa be used in cocktails?

Yes, its fresh, menthol-like notes work well as a refreshing element in cocktails with citrus or herbs.