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Fruit brandy & Grappa

Discover our hand-picked selection of excellent fruit brandies and grappas. Buying guide


Buying guide: Fruit Brandy & Grappa


Fruit brandy is a spirit that is obtained by distilling fermented fruit. The selection of fruits can be very diverse, including cherries, apples, pears, plums and many more. The high fruit content and the complex production process create a particularly intense and fruity aroma that makes fruit brandy a popular specialty. The alcohol content is usually between 40% and 45%. Fruit brandy is particularly popular in countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where it is often served as a digestif after a meal.

The quality of a fruit brandy depends heavily on the selection of fruit and the production process. High-quality fruit brandies are distilled from fully ripe , fresh fruit and not from fruit juice concentrate or fruit blends. After fermentation, distillation follows in copper kettles to remove unwanted flavors and concentrate the pure fruit aroma. Many distilleries then store their fruit brandy in wooden barrels, which gives the brandy additional complexity and depth.


Difference between fruit brandy and grappa

Although fruit brandy and grappa are both spirits, there are significant differences in how they are made and the raw materials used. Fruit brandy is, as the name suggests, made from various fruits, while grappa is made from pomace, the residue from wine production. Grappa originally comes from Italy and is traditionally distilled from grape pomace.

Another difference lies in the flavor palette: fruit brandy is usually fruitier and sweeter, while grappa can have a more complex, sometimes slightly bitter flavor, depending on the grape variety used and the type of storage. Grappa can also be aged in wooden barrels, which allows it to absorb additional flavors of vanilla, oak and spices.


Our recommendations for the best fruit brandies


Badel Sljivovica old plum brandy

Origin: Croatia

This Sljivovica , a national brandy in several Eastern European countries, is distilled from the Bistrica plum variety . It impresses with its intense plum aroma and velvety texture. The secrets of fruit processing and ripening methods make it a unique experience.


Dettling Kirsch Supérieur vieux

Origin: Switzerland

Description: A classic cherry brandy that develops a powerful and fruity aroma after aging for 1 to 2 years. Awarded gold at the World Spirits Awards 2017 and 2018, this brandy offers a pure cherry flavor with elegant depth.


Ziegler Williams pear brandy

Origin: Germany

Description: A fine Williams pear brandy with an expressive, fruity aroma. The sweetness and fragrant profile make it an elegant pleasure for special occasions.


Ziegler Selection

Origin: Germany

Description: An exclusive selection of five miniature spirits, including wild cherry , Williams, old plum, wild raspberry spirit and hazelnut. Ideal for a taste journey of discovery through the world of Ziegler spirits.


Calvados Pere Magloire VSOP

Origin: France

Description: An amber-colored apple brandy from Normandy that is stored in oak barrels for at least four years. Its deep, stimulating bouquet and fresh, harmonious taste make it a highlight among the Calvados.


Our recommendations for the best grappas


Nonino Grappa Antica Cuvee Aged in barriques

Origin: Italy

Description: A fine blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Refosco Grappa, aged in oak barrels. Aromas of spices, croissants, oranges and candied fruits make this grappa a luxurious pleasure.


Nonino Grappa il Merlot

Origin: Italy

Description: This grappa impresses with its soft and round notes of rose petals and cherry stones. It is distilled from Merlot pomace using an artisanal method.


Alexander Bianca Grappa

Origin: Italy

Description: Made from Prosecco and Chardonnay pomace, this grappa offers a fresh bouquet of apples, pears and exotic fruits. The finish is light and fruity.


The most popular fruit brandy & grappa brands

The best known and most popular brands in the world of fruit brandy and grappa include:

  • Badel : Known for its traditional Sljivovica .
  • Dettling : Specialist for cherry brandies from Switzerland.
  • Ziegler : German distillery with a wide range of fruit brandies.
  • Nonino : Renowned Italian grappa distillery.
  • Bottega : Producer of the popular Alexander Grappa.

Fruit brandy from different countries

Fruit brandy is produced in many countries, with each region having its own specialties and traditions. In Germany and Austria, cherry and Williams pear brandies are particularly popular, while in France, Calvados is known as an outstanding apple brandy. In Eastern European countries such as Croatia and Serbia, the most famous fruit brandy is Sljivovica , which is distilled from plums.


Frequently asked questions about fruit brandy


What should you consider when buying fruit brandy?

When buying fruit brandy, you should pay attention to the quality of the fruit used and the distillation process. High-quality brandies are made from fully ripe fruit and without artificial flavors. Storage in wooden barrels can also be an indicator of quality.


How does fruit brandy differ from different regions?

Fruit brandy differs from region to region, mainly in terms of the fruits used and the traditional production methods. German fruit brandies are often very fruity and clear, while French Calvados develops more complex aromas due to its storage in oak barrels.


How do you drink fruit brandy?

Fruit brandy is best enjoyed neat and at room temperature. A small, tulip-shaped glass is ideal for concentrating the aroma and experiencing the full flavor.


How should fruit brandy be stored?

Fruit brandy should be stored in a cool, dark place and in an upright position to preserve its flavour and quality. Once opened, the bottle should be tightly closed and consumed within one to two years.


How long does fruit brandy last?

Unopened bottles of fruit brandy have a virtually unlimited shelf life as long as they are stored properly. Opened bottles should be consumed within one to two years.


What is the difference between fruit brandy and fruit spirit?

Fruit brandy is made by distilling fermented fruit. Obstgeist, on the other hand, is made from unfermented fruit, where the fruit juice is distilled directly.


What does fruit brandy taste like?

Fruit brandy has an intense fruit flavor that can vary depending on the fruit used. It is often sweet and smells of the specific fruit from which it is made.


How does maturation affect the taste of fruit brandy?

Maturation in wooden barrels can give the fruit brandy additional aromas of vanilla, oak and spices and round off the taste.


What percentage of alcohol does fruit brandy have?

Fruit brandy usually has an alcohol content of 40% to 45%.


Frequently asked questions about Grappa


What does grappa taste like?

Grappa has a complex flavor profile that depends on the grape variety used. Typical flavors include grapes, spices, nuts and wood notes, especially in barrel-aged grappa.


How do I recognize a high-quality grappa?

A high-quality grappa is characterized by a clear, pure aroma and a balanced taste. The origin, the grape variety and the type of distillation are also indicators of quality.


What different types of grappa are there?

There are different types of grappa, depending on the pomace used and the aging method. Young grappa (Grappa Giovane) is clear and fresh, while aged grappa (Grappa Invecchiata or Riserva) develop more complex aromas through storage in wooden barrels.


What role does the wooden barrel play in the maturation of grappa?

The wooden barrel gives the grappa additional aromas and complexity. During maturation, the grappa absorbs aromas of vanilla, spices and wood, which refine the taste.


What does " barrique -aged" mean for grappa?

Barrique-aged means that the grappa has been aged in small oak barrels. These barrels give the grappa intense wood and spice aromas.


What does " riserva " or " stravecchia " mean for grappa?

These terms refer to matured grappas that have been stored in wooden barrels for a longer period of time. Riserva grappas are usually aged for at least 18 months, Stravecchia grappas for at least 36 months.


How do you drink grappa?

Grappa is best served neat in a special grappa glass at room temperature. This allows the aromas to come out optimally.


How should grappa be stored?

Grappa should be stored in a cool, dark place. Opened bottles should be tightly sealed and consumed within one to two years.


How long does grappa last?

Unopened grappa has a virtually unlimited shelf life. Opened grappa should be drunk within one to two years.


What are the typical flavor profiles of grappa?

Typical flavor profiles of grappa range from fruity and floral to nutty and woody, depending on the grape variety and maturation method.