Friulian Grappa
Friulian grappa is made in the Friuli region of Italy, which is located in the northeastern part of the country. The region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the time of the ancient Romans. It is believed that grappa has been produced in Friuli for centuries, with some historians suggesting that it may have been used as a medicinal tonic in ancient times.
The production of Friulian grappa is closely tied to the winemaking process. After grapes are harvested and used to make wine, the remaining pomace is used to make grappa. The pomace is fermented and then distilled to produce a clear, colorless spirit that is typically bottled at around 40% alcohol by volume.
In addition to being enjoyed neat, Friulian grappa is also used in cooking. It is a popular ingredient in traditional Friulian dishes, such as frico (a type of cheese and potato pancake) and gubana (a sweet pastry filled with dried fruit and nuts).
Salernitan Grappa
Salernitan grappa is produced in the town of Salerno, which is located in the Campania region of Italy. The town has a long history of producing alcoholic beverages, including limoncello (a lemon liqueur) and nocino (a walnut liqueur). However, it is the production of grappa that has made Salerno famous.
Salernitan grappa is made using the leftovers from lemons that are used to make limoncello. The lemon peels are mixed with water and sugar and then fermented for several weeks. The resulting mixture is then distilled to produce a clear, yellow-colored spirit that is typically bottled at around 45% alcohol by volume.
Salernitan grappa is known for its unique flavor, which is characterized by a strong lemon aroma and a slightly sweet taste. It is typically enjoyed as a digestif after meals, and is often served chilled in small glasses.
Conclusion
Grappa is a beloved drink in Italy, with many different regions producing their own unique varieties. Friulian and Salernitan grappa are two of the most popular types of grappa, each with its own distinct history and flavor.
Friulian grappa has been produced in the Friuli region for centuries, with a long tradition of using the leftovers from winemaking to produce a clear, colorless spirit. Salernitan grappa, on the other hand, is produced using the leftovers from lemons used to make limoncello, resulting in a spirit with a unique lemon flavor.
Whether enjoyed neat or used in cooking, Friulian and Salernitan grappa are an important part of Italian culinary history, and continue to be enjoyed by people around the world.