GRASPAMARO
28% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

Graspamaro is the ideal union of grappa and herbs. The DE NEGRI distillery wished to create a new product that would marry its already famous grappa to the aromas of exotic and alpine herbs, such as agaric, aloe, angelica root, swertia chyrayta, jatrorrhiza columba, juniper, gentian, cinchona-bark and quassia. The result is this unique blend, the product of a meticulous search for the finest ingredients.




OCTOBER 2005

SPIRITS
Distilleria De Negri Graspamaro ****1/2
$36.95 Veneto, Italy. Bitters rarely appear as a digestif in Toronto, but this spectacular blend of prosecco grappa and 12 herbs and spices will totally rewire your senses at meal's end (which won't mean you can drive home; it's 28 per cent alcohol). The nose blasts juniper, mint, coffee bean, tea, tangerine. Enters sweet, displays great flavour piquancy, then exits bitter. Outstanding length.
From La Cantina Imports, 416-271-9625.
By David LAWRASON
Rating is on a five-star system that stresses quality for price;
* basic; ** acceptable; ***good; **** very good; ***** exceptional

IL LIQUORE MIRTILLO (BLUEBERRY LIQUEUR)
grappa-based | 30% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

The healthy properties of blueberry join forces with Grappa, a typical Italian product known for its purity and warmth. The result: an unmistakable spirit, full of history and authenticity. The appropriate alcoholic grade (only 30%) makes it suitable for any and all occasions. Serve chilled.

IL LIMONCELLO (LEMON LIQUEUR)
30% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

From the lemon comes Limoncello, the spirit of magic Mediterranean lands, born from ancient tradition and recipes. An excellent after-dinner drink, served chilled.

LA FRAGOLETTA (WILD STRAWBERRY LIQUEUR)
25% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

Its main ingredient is the richly scented, delicious wild strawberry. This spirits reminds us of Eighteenth-century rosolios, sipped in cosy sitting-rooms, where Italy's unification was being made.

LA PRUGNA (PLUM LIQUEUR)
grappa-based | 40% alcohol by volume; 1 liter

This spirit's exclusive formula was developed in the Thirties by the company's founder himself, and has remained unchanged to this day: only natural ingredients (some of which are still a secret!!) The "Prugna De Negri" owes its success to its unmistakable plum flavour, thanks to a juice content of over 15% and the grappa.

BARANCIO LIQUEUR of GRAPPA and SHRUB PINE
40% alcohol by volume; 0,7 liter

A Grappa based liqueur falvored with cones of the shrub pine ( Pinus Mugo ) from the Val Sarentina area in the highlands of Bolzano, Sweetened for balance.

GRAPPA and ACACIA HONEY liqueur
40% alcohol by volume; 0,5 liter

Liqueur made of grappa and italian honey from Gardin Beekeepers of Vicenza.
Light amber in color, extremely fine end intense in aroma, and with a slight scent of acacia flowers which results in an elegant, floral, and balanced flavor.

MIERIZIA liqueur
25% alcohol by volume; 0,5 liter

Liqueur made from the precious licorice "Amarelli" ( minimum 9% dry extract ) from the Calabria region, sweetened with Acacia Honey from the Gardin Beekeepers ( Vicenza ) www.apegardin.it.
Excellent, especially when served iced.