What is Grappa(Sp.)?

[BUDDY]

Can some one tell me what is Grappa? i know there is a type of spirit that is distilled from wine grapes ,but is there anything else that goes by this name?
The reason i ask is ,my Daughter recently went to LA. for an intenship in Disney.While there she was treated to a dinner at an Italian resturante (DRAGO'S)and her host ordered GRAPPA when asked what WINE they'd select.Is there also a wine called Grappa and what is it like?
BUDDY

[Drew]

Here's two sites that will help you.

Drew


http://www.winexwired.com/2point4/grappa.htm

http://www.american.edu/TED/grappa.htm

[This message has been edited by Drew (edited 04-06-2003).]

[Thomas]

I never heard of a wine called grappa, but I am sure not to have heard of everything that is out there.

Grappa is indeed from grape material.The way I understand it, the name comes from the old Italian word "graspe" which referred to the pomace and remains after a wine pressing. Feudal lords gave the remains to their subjects to do with as they pleased. Their subjects, being poor and in need of calories, not to mention heightened spirits, figured out how to add water and sugar (probably beet sugar) to re-ferment and then distill to make the potent drink we now call grappa.