Mazzetti d'Altavilla - Grappa
Mazzetti d'Altavilla is one of the most prestigious grappa producers in Italy. Although the Mazzetti family is the second oldest grappa producer in Italy, it is the oldest company producing grappa in the Piedmont region, having been founded in 1846. Besides making outstanding grappa from the noble grapes used to make such wines as Barolo and Barbera, the Mazzetti brothers have developed some of the most unique and beautifully packaged products on today’s market. Italy is home to the world’s finest hand-blown glass craftsmen in the world. The Mazzetti brothers have directed these craftsmen to create works of art to hold their grappa’s. All of the Mazzetti hand blown grappa products are truly one of a kind. Beautiful!
Grappa is a traditionally Italian spirit distilled from all the solid matter left over from wine making. That includes all the grape skins, seeds, stems, everything. Grappa is usually very high proof, above 40%, and has a somewhat justified reputation as firewater because, you know, it’s really alcoholic. It takes about 100 kg of moist, fresh pomace produces about 9 to 10 liters of Grappa.
But it also has a soft and subtle side that craft distillers pull from even the ugliest purple mashes leftover from the winery. These are still very high proof but they exalt the flavors in the grapes. Unlike aggressively name controlled wines like Champagne or spirits like Tequila or Mezcal, Grappa can also be made in other countries and regions but the best still originate in Italy!