Summer Splash: Getting Our Grapa On - Again! (Re-release)
Release Date: 08/22/2025
Summer Splash: Getting Our Grapa On - Again! (Re-release)
Glass In Session® Winecast
Since we have been all immersed in vino Italiano this season, I thought it would be fun to revisit this episode while I’m , let’s just say, out of the cellar this month: Getting Our Grappa On (S10E3) A deep dive into grappa—the bold Italian spirit made from pomace, with anecdotes on its enduring appeal across centuries . As summer transitions to harvest season, grappa’s rustic, artisanal character resonates with end-of-season flavors. Originally Released: June 10, 2022 Grappa: Not just for breakfast (you laugh)! This pomace brandy, like many spirits, has ancient roots. With over...
info_outline
Summer Splash: Rosato Refresh - Italian Rosé Re-release
Glass In Session® Winecast
Since we’re between seasons where we’re exploring Italian wine and working our way down Italy’s boot, I thought we’d revisit the Rosato episode from way back in Season 1. Rosato, Italian for rosé wine, it’s literally what’s in my glass right now. T I hope you can find a glass of Italian rosé to help you wind down your summer while we take a lovely stroll back through our archives with “Rosato - Wading through the Italian Pink” - Perfect for warm summer evenings: they pair beautifully with al fresco dining, casual sipping, BBQ and friends. Originally aired Jun 14,...
info_outline
The Great White Wines of Piemonte, a Nymph, a Rascal, and a Princess | S19E6
Glass In Session® Winecast
An exploration of the major white wines and grapes, and legends of Piemonte (Piedmont), Italy Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Britannica: Piedmont Cantina Produttori Erbaluce di Caluso: Erbaluce - The Legend Consorzio Tuttela del Gavi: Italia a Tavola: Erbalcue di Caluso - Il Vitigno Autoctono che...
info_outline
The Wine & Region of Valle d'Aosta, Italy ... and a Saint Bernard? |S19E5
Glass In Session® Winecast
An exploration of the wines, grapes, and the gorgeously mountainous region of Valle d’Aosta Italy, where we meet up with a Saint Bernard. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Consorzio Vini Valle d’Aosta Decanter: Valle d’Aosta for Wine Lovers - A charming blend of French and Italian cultures in this...
info_outline
The Wines and the Region of Lombardia, Italy | S19E4
Glass In Session® Winecast
An exploration of the vast, diverse styles of wines, grapes, and the stunning region of Lombardia, Italy Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Britannica: Lombardy Italian Wine Central: Quattrocalici: Wine in Lombardy Vini di Valtellina: Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S2E1: Lambrusco...
info_outline
Wine from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy |S19E3
Glass In Session® Winecast
An exploration of the wines, grapes, and region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Some serious grape gabbery & cork dorkery in this one! Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alto Adige Wines: Britannica: Friuli-Venezia Giulia Foundation Plant Services (UC Davis) Grape Variety: Tocai Friulano Gambero Rosso: È in...
info_outline
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Wine Regions in Italy | S19E2
Glass In Session® Winecast
An episode chock full of new grapes & places & wine styles unlike other regions of Italy we’ve explored so far. Click play to see what’s unique, yet necessary, to find & sip from Trentino-Alto Adige. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alto Adige Wines: Britannica: Other Italic Peoples ...
info_outline
Trentodoc on Deck: Classic Method Sparkling Wine from Northern Italy | S19E1
Glass In Session® Winecast
Kicking off Season 19 with classic method sparkling wine from Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: a brief history, style summary and some extras. Quick, dirty, and delicious. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Tom Stevenson’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine Guide 2015, 6th Edition, [Kindle Edition], Stevenson, T. (2014) Websites: Britannica: Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Disciplinare: Trento Doc (26 December 2020) Glass in Session®: Bubbly to take us into the new year, Caruso, V....
info_outline
Nagambie Lakes Australia: Wines, History, & Some Grape Geekery | S18E6
Glass In Session® Winecast
In this final episode of this series about wine regions near lakes, we sail to the southern hemisphere to visit Nagambie Lakes in Australia. This lake region is quite different than the others we have explored in this season and in the past; click play to learn more in this short but punchy episode. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J....
info_outline
Lake Garda - Surrounded by Wine Regions | S18E5
Glass In Session® Winecast
Italy’s largest lake is surrounded by vines and three different wine regions. The variety of wine styles, grapes, and scenery - paired with fascinating history - is where we are quenching our thirst this week as we embark on the penultimate episode of Glass in Session®’s season dedicated to wine from regions impacted by lakes. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson,...
info_outlineSince we have been all immersed in vino Italiano this season, I thought it would be fun to revisit this episode while I’m , let’s just say, out of the cellar this month: Getting Our Grappa On (S10E3)
A deep dive into grappa—the bold Italian spirit made from pomace, with anecdotes on its enduring appeal across centuries .
As summer transitions to harvest season, grappa’s rustic, artisanal character resonates with end-of-season flavors.
Originally Released: June 10, 2022
Grappa: Not just for breakfast (you laugh)! This pomace brandy, like many spirits, has ancient roots. With over 130 producers in Italy, some dating back hundreds of years, what is it about this drink made from, oh, I don’t know, chunky winemaking leftovers, that is so enchanting and beloved amongst connoisseurs?
Resources from this episode:
Books:
Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020)
The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022)
Websites:
Difford’s Guide: Grappa’s Origins and History, Difford, S., (nd) https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/979/bws/grappas-origins-and-history
EUR-Lex (Access to European Union Law): Regulation (EC) 787/2019 (Definition, designation, presentation, and labeling of spirit drinks in the presentation and in the labeling of other food products, as well as the protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks and the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origins) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32019R0787&from=IT
Istituto Nazionale Grappa: http://www.istitutograppa.org/
Italian Tribune: Italian Grappa’s History and Cocktails to Drink it In (9 June 2021) https://italiantribune.com/italian-grappas-history-and-cocktails-to-drink-it-in/
National Institutes of Health - Pub Med: The “Scola Medica Salernitana”: The Forerunner of the Modern University Medical Schools, De Divitiis, E., Cappabianca, P., & De Divitiis, O. (October 2004) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15458581/
Poli Museo Della Grappa: La Produzione della Grappa https://www.grappa.com/eng/index.php
World History Encyclopedia: Feudalism, Cartwright, M. (22 November 2018), https://www.worldhistory.org/Feudalism/
Glass in Session® Episodes Mentioned in this Session:
S5E5: Grape Brandy Escape https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e5-grape-brandy-escape
S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes
S1E3: Rosato - Wading into the (Italian) Pink https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s1e3-rosato-wading-into-the-italian-pink
Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.
Music: “Write Your Story” by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)