the differences

[Thomas]

Grappa is like brandy indeed, but as brandy is distilled from pressed grapes, true grappa is distilled from the dregs left after the grapes are pressed.

Grappa came from Medieval days when peasants turned over their crop to the lord for wine--in return, the lord gave them the dregs to dispose of; the peasants added water and sugar to ferment the dregs, and then they distilled it to concentrate the alcohol, which they so desired for escapism.

Clear distilled brandy is used to fortify Port and Sherry.