Marolo Grappa di Barolo (75cl, 50%)

Marolo Grappa di Barolo is an aged grappa from Distilleria Santa Teresa in Alba, the Piedmont distillery Paolo Marolo founded in 1977. It is made from fresh Nebbiolo pomace collected from around 25 Barolo producers and taken quickly from the press to the still. The pomace is distilled gently in handmade copper bain-marie stills, then rested for at least four years in French barriques that previously held Marsala. The wood softens the spirit while leaving the Nebbiolo character in front. It is pale golden-amber, with windfall apple, toasted nuts and herbs on the nose, a balanced palate with a faint molasses note, and a long finish. It suits drinking neat after a meal.