the differences

[passivetyrant]

Can someone explain the differences between Grappa, port and sherry

[Innkeeper]

Hi PT, and welcome to the Wine Board. Other than the fact that they come from different countries; Italy, Portugal, and Spain respectively; there's more. Grappa is distilled grapes sort of like brandy. Port is fortified red wine from a complex blend. Sherry is a fortied white wine that can be originally vinted in a wide range from dry to very sweet.

[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.

[salesman]

port can also be fortified white wine. And there is also more "clear" grappas sold than barrel fermented.

[Thomas]

Salesman is certainly correct about the White Port--in fact, I am sipping one right now: Offley is the producer.



[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 01-23-2003).]