Brandy has been an extremely popular drink for hundreds of years and is most often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. The name brandy is a shortening of the Dutch word brandewijn, which means "fire wine". Brandy is a spirit made by distilling grapes to a higher proof than they achieve as wine. Most brandy is made from actual grape wine, though some may also be made from the pulpy mixture of stems and seeds left after grapes are pressed, and some is made from the fermented juices of fruits other than grapes. After years of ageing in wooden casks, it becomes golden and mellow. Caramel syrup is added to aged brandies to deepen their colour.
Italy has a long history of brandy production dating back to at least the 16th century. Italian Brandies are made from regional wine grapes and most are produced in column stills including pot stills used by small artisanal producers. Italy produces a substantial amount of Grappa, both of the raw, firewater variety and the more elegant, artisanal efforts that are made from one designated grape type and frequently packaged in hand-blown bottles. Both types of Grappa can be unaged or aged for a few years in old casks that will tame the hard edge of the spirit without imparting much flavor or color. CARPENE MALVOLTI is a prestigious company in Italy producing best brandies.
