1998 Berta Grappa di Barbera Roccanivo Grappa 750ml

Distillerie Berta was founded in 1947 by Paolo Berta and remains a family business, now guided by the second generation, Enrico and Gianfranco Berta, from its home in the vineyard-covered hills of Mombaruzzo, in Piedmont's Asti province. The distillery built its reputation on patient, terroir-focused aging, sourcing pomace from the region's most respected local producers and giving each bottling the time it needs to develop real depth and character.

This 1998 vintage is distilled entirely from Barbera d'Asti pomace, a resilient grape variety well suited to Piedmont's cooler conditions and known for producing intensely flavored marc. Rather than being bottled young, this grappa was aged for over nine years in 225-liter oak barrels, a long maturation that softens the raw spirit considerably and layers in the color, texture, and complexity that only extended time in wood can provide.

The result is complex and delicate, with a bouquet of maraschino cherry, small berries, chocolate, and vanilla that carries through beautifully onto the palate. The flavor is rich and enveloping, harmonious and long, finishing with the kind of persistence found only in a carefully cellared spirit. Best enjoyed slowly, at room temperature, as an after-dinner digestif.