Poli, Grappa di Torcolato (1.75L)

[Acquire]

Grappa from grapes hung to dry until December.

Schiavon, Veneto · Vespaiolo grapes · Tall hand-blown bottle

Why it's here

Grappa earned its rough reputation honestly, and the Poli family, distilling in Schiavon since 1898, are among those who changed it. This one comes from Vespaiolo grapes that were strung up in lofts to dry for Torcolato, the sweet wine of the district, and is distilled only in December when that work is done. It is here for the spirit and, frankly, for the bottle, which is a piece of glasswork in its own right.

The object

The pressed skins of the dried grapes are distilled in small lots in an old copper steam still, and only the middle of each run is kept. The result is soft and scented: raisins, dried fig, apricot and honey, with toasted almond at the finish. It comes in a slender blown bottle with a handwritten-style tag tied at the neck.

At the table

Pour a small measure into a tulip glass after dinner, at cool room temperature, with almond biscuits or dried fruit. A large bottle like this is meant for a house that entertains, and it will see many evenings.

Origin: Schiavon, Veneto, Italy
Distillery founded: 1898
Made from: Pomace of Vespaiolo grapes dried for Torcolato
Still: Copper, small batches

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