Benton City, Washington’s Col Solare Winery isn’t yet licensed to sample their exceptional grappa at their tasting room, but let me take the guesswork out of the equation for you—it’s worth diving in and buying a whole bottle.
Col Solare was born as a Red Mountain collaboration between the team behind Chateau Ste. Michelle and celebrated Italian winemaker Marchese Piero Antinori. Grappa, also of Italian origin, is a spirit distilled from the remnants of wine grapes left over after pressing the juice from them (pulp, skins, stems and all—these leftovers are known as pomace), and seems a fitting first spirit for the award-winning winery. The spirit retains aroma and flavor attributes reminiscent of wine—crisp grape and rich plummy notes on the nose, followed by a subtle wine-like sweetness on the palate. The finish alludes to the sun-dried flavor of golden raisins, while tying in woodsy and floral notes that recall an oolong tea. At a round 80 proof, this exceptional brandy goes down smooth and is lovely for sipping.
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