Mommenpop Blood Orange is a California citrus aperitif — a bright, wine-based apéritif in the spirit of an Italian aperitivo — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by winemaker Samantha Sheehan in Napa Valley, it is built on real wine and whole organic blood oranges rather than neutral spirit. We list it because it opens a meal beautifully: lower in alcohol, vivid with citrus, and a graceful New World counterpart to the classic aperitivo our list celebrates.
About the Producer
Mommenpop is the work of Samantha Sheehan, a Napa Valley winemaker who first made her name with her own wines before turning to citrus apéritifs. The idea was sparked by a neighbor’s basket of just-picked oranges, which she steeped — rind, seeds and all — in freshly harvested wine. The result became Mommenpop, a small Napa-based label committed to local, organic California citrus and a more wine-forward take on the aperitif.
Style & Production
The Blood Orange expression starts with a base of California wine and thousands of pounds of whole, organic blood oranges grown in-state, with a judicious addition of warming spices such as black cardamom and pepper. Because it is built on wine rather than fortified spirit, it sits at a gentle, aperitif-strength level of alcohol and carries no added sugar. The whole-fruit maceration gives it real citrus presence — juice, oil and rind — rather than the flat sweetness of a syrup-based aperitivo.
Tasting Notes
The nose is full of fresh blood orange — juicy, zesty and faintly floral — with a lift of warm spice. The palate is bright and dry, layering ripe citrus over a subtle wine structure and a whisper of cardamom and pepper. The finish is clean and refreshing, with a pleasant gentle bitterness from the orange rind. It is a natural over ice with soda.
What to Pair It With
As an aperitif, it shines at the start of the meal among the antipasti. Pour it with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata, alongside Fresh Oysters, or with the Charcuterie Board. See the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Mommenpop Blood Orange is poured at $11, served chilled over ice or topped with soda as an aperitif.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is made by winemaker Samantha Sheehan in Napa Valley, California, using local organic citrus and California wine.
What does it taste like?
It is bright and dry, with fresh blood orange, a subtle wine structure, a whisper of cardamom and pepper, and a clean, gently bitter finish.
Is it a spirit or a wine?
It is a wine-based aperitif rather than a spirit, so it is lower in alcohol and made with whole oranges and no added sugar.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
