In Garda Trentino, grape pomace, herbs, and small fruits are transformed into precious ingredients for crafting delightful digestifs that capture the essence of Trentino's rich tradition.
Take, for example, Trentino grappa – or more precisely, the grappa from Valle dei Laghi, which is not distilled from grapes, but from the pressed grape skins (known as grape pomace to the uninitiated).
Grappa distillation has been an ancient tradition in Garda Trentino since the sixteenth century. In Valle dei Laghi and near Santa Massenza, you can find numerous family-owned distilleries that have perfected the art of crafting grappa from grape pomace over the decades. The colour of grappa can vary from one production to another: it can be crystal clear or exhibit hues ranging from yellow to reddish. The secret lies in the ageing process. While clear grappa is transferred into stainless steel or glass barrels immediately after distillation, the yellow and reddish varieties are aged in wooden barrels for up to 12 months, resulting in delightful notes of vanilla or dried fruit. Grappa aged for an extended period in French oak barrels is called “grappa barrique” or “barricata”.
For those who appreciate distillates, bitters, and liqueurs, Garda Trentino boasts several producers offering an array of alcoholic beverages infused with alpine herbs and citrus fruits. In addition, in recent years, a collection of exquisite gins has emerged, guaranteed to satisfy the discerning palate
