How to taste distillates

As with wine, an educated tasting is necessary to experience the maximum pleasure of a distillate. Here some suggestions for how best to taste wine:

• Fill a glass with a maximum of 20 grams of distillate. The right glass makes all the difference. A large, tulip-shaped glass will emphasise the aroma of the distillate, but the upper side of the glass should not be too narrow because this would force the aroma of alcohol to the nose, reducing the natural scents.
• Bring your nose carefully closer to the glass and sniff delicately, keeping a distance of around 10 centimetres between nose and glass.
• You should experience a pleasant fruity, flowery, herbaceous and spicy scent. The scent should be fine and frank. A good grappa has to be harmonious and well balanced, pleasant on the nose and in the mouth.
• Negative odours should be recognized immediately. A bad smell indicates an imperfection.
• When taking a sip of distillate, it is necessary to let it flow over the whole tongue so the tastebuds can identify taste and tactile sensations. While the smell of a distillate is necessary to define quality, a complete evaluation is possible in the moment we breathe after the first sip.
• Temperature plays an important part. Grappa and distillates made of white grape varieties should be served fresh, around 8-10°C; whereas red grape varieties should be served at a higher temperature of around 18-20°C. A soft spirit, as in the case of 'aqua 21', is also pleasant on the palate if it is served colder, around 3-5°C. We preserve all our grappa and distillates in the fridge, only taking them out when they are at the correct temperature.
• Indeed, conservation is very important. As well as being kept in the fridge, distillates should not be exposed to direct light. Aged products can be preserved in a cellar, the same as a red wine. A bottle should not stay open for too many days because each time you open it, natural flavours are lost. It is a good habit to sign the opening date on the back label, which also makes it easier to decide when to open your next bottle.