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Writer's pictureDavid Lees

Ciao Grappa!

Updated: Oct 4


Image with Grappa E-label from Bottlebooks in a phone. Background with this tematic

You can now create Grappa E-labels in Bottlebooks.  Choose Grappa as a "Product Type" when you create an E-label and choose from the any Grappa denomination. 



The Grappa E-Label

Creating an E-label is not a legal requirement in Europe as of the time of this post, however it provides valuable information to your customers.


Here is an example of how a E-label for Grappa looks in Bottlebooks


How to create Grappa E-labels and add denominations


Declare Packaging for Italy

You can also declare your packaging for Italy as with other e-labels.






History of Grappa

Grappa, often referred to as the "soul of Italy in a bottle," has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Its origins are rooted in the northern regions of Italy, particularly in the Veneto, Piedmont, and Trentino-Alto Adige areas, where winemakers sought ways to minimize waste and make full use of their grape harvests. By distilling the leftover pomace—the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes—after wine production, they created a potent and flavorful spirit.


The name "Grappa" itself comes from the Latin word grappulus, meaning a bunch of grapes, and it reflects the spirit’s humble beginnings as a peasant drink. For centuries, grappa was a rustic and affordable beverage, consumed mainly by farmers and workers. It was rough, fiery, and unrefined, a practical solution to make the most out of the grape harvest.


However, over time, distillers refined their techniques, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, grappa began to evolve from a rough, rustic drink into a more sophisticated spirit. It became popular not only in Italy but across Europe. The Italian Alps played a significant role in grappa’s development, as the cold climate helped in crafting a cleaner, more delicate distillate. Distilleries in regions like Bassano del Grappa became renowned for producing high-quality grappa, elevating it from a simple farmer’s beverage to a prized digestif.


By the 20th century, advancements in distillation methods and a focus on single-varietal grappas (using pomace from one type of grape, like Moscato or Nebbiolo) led to a renaissance for the drink. Today, grappa is crafted with as much care as fine wine, and aged varieties are sought after for their rich, complex flavors. Some versions are even aged in barrels, developing smooth notes of vanilla, spice, and wood, much like whiskey or cognac.


In Italy, it’s traditionally enjoyed in small sips after a meal, often paired with coffee as an “ammazzacaffè” (coffee killer) to neutralize the strong flavor of the coffee. Over the centuries, grappa has transformed from a rustic spirit into a symbol of Italian craftsmanship, enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world.

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