 |
"GRAPPA MAROLO
Grappa Moscato Grapes
42% Alcohol $59.00/750 ml
|
|
Exceedingly pale yellow/straw tinge, perfectly pure; the nose is coy and unresponsive
to begin with, then with time, swirling, and aeration, a potent spiritiness emerges
slowly in the second and third nosings -- underpinning that spirit is the unique fragrant
thumbprint of orangey/flowery moscato, one of my favorite unsung grape types both for dessert
wines and for grappa -- a graceful, subtle bouquet of elegance and harmony; in the mouth,
the spirit comes alive especially in the midpalate after a calm entry highlighted by raisiny,
ripe grape flavors that completely relax the taste buds for the gentle blow of spirit -- the
orange-kissed flavor of the midpalate is nothing short of divine; the aftertaste is serene,
polite, firm, spirity, and intensely fruity; a real gem of a grappa.
|
|
|
|
 |
| Italy |
"MAROLO
Grappa & Camomile Liqueur
35% Alcohol $55.00/750 ml
|
|
Editor's note:
chamomile is defined as a bitter-tasting composite herb made from pungent foliage and flower heads that are said
to contain medicinal properties; pretty, deep yellow/gold color, with greenish core features, ideal clarity; the
nose is dominated early-on by the mustiness of the grappa base spirit -- the second and third nosings uncover,
with swirling, a very distant herbal echo that I guess to be the chamomile -- the fourth and last pass continue
the march of the grape must; in the mouth is where the herbal influence is immediately discerned at entry --
in fact, the marriage of the grappa and the chamomile is so perfectly executed that I actually found myself
smacking my lips -- fortunately for the SJ staff I sample alone in a closed-off room -- the midpalate is warm,
inviting, and totally luscious as the balance of the acidy/sweet grape must and the the bitterness of the chamomile
make for one of the best liqueur experiences I've had in the past year or two; the finish sees the sassy chamomile
come to the fore as the sweet flavor slowly diminishes in the recesses of the throat; light enough to be enjoyed
throughout the warm weather months; a major liqueur discovery!
|
| Imported by International Wines & Spirit, Union, NJ |
|
|
|
