Grappa is a type of Italian brandy that is made from the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes (known as the "pomace", or "Marc" in France) that are left over from winemaking. Grappa is typically clear, but it can also be aged in wood barrels, which gives it a golden color. Grappa has a strong, grape-like flavor and a high alcohol content. It is usually served as an after-dinner drink.
Grappa is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails. Grappa can be substituted for other spirits in many classic cocktails, such as the Negroni and the Martini. Grappa is also used in some traditional Italian dishes, such as risotto alla Milanese and zabaglione.
Initially, grappa was created as a way of recycling the remainder of the grapes, but since then this style of brandy has become very popular. There are numerous styles of grappa, which can be bottled young or unaged, aromatised, and even aged in a variety of different woods including ashwood, plumwood and oak. Any grape type may be used to make grappa, and there are many different "single grape varietal" grappas.