OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Wednessday
A SOUTH African group of grappa distillers is spearheading an alliance to strike back at the European Union’s (EU) move to secure Italy’s position as the world’s only producer of “real” grappa.
The SA Grappa and Distillation Association, which represents three distillers, wants all producers outside the EU to agree on a substitute brand name for the fiery liqueur.
The association has written to the New World Wine Producers – an association linking wine makers in Canada, the US, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and SA – and recommended it forge an alliance against the EU.
The free trade agreement with the EU was held up early this year when Italy and Greece demanded that SA stop producing liqueur under the brand names “grappa” and “ouzo”.
The SA government agreed to the demand when it saw the impasse could have jeopardised the entire agreement.
Giorgio Dalla Cia of Meerlust, the largest of SA’s grappa producers, says the ruling smacks of European protectionism.
“It is like being told we cannot use the names pizza, cappuccino or espresso it is ridiculous to say the least.”
Meerlust produces about 18000 bottles of grappa a year, which accounts for about 20% of the domestic market, with Italian imports making up around two-thirds.
Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin said he would support moves by the industry to strengthen their position “in whatever way they feel is effective provided that there is no conflict with basic policy.”
Grappa, which as a digestive is often used for medicinal purposes, should be enjoyed after a meal with espresso, or as a cocktail and even straight.
The name grappa is derived from “graspa”, which refers to the skins left over after the winemaking process is completed.
Once fermented, the skins – now rich in aroma and with an alcohol content of 6% – are distilled and heated to form a strong alcoholic blend. The mixture is then diluted with soft water to bring the alcohol content down to 43%.