Clear Creek Sangiovese is an American grappa distilled from the pomace of Sangiovese grapes, and we are proud to pour it as a digestif at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by Clear Creek Distillery in Oregon, it honors the Italian tradition of grappa with Pacific Northwest fruit, a bold, characterful pour that bridges Oregon and our family’s Mediterranean table.

About the Distillery

Clear Creek Distillery was founded in 1985 by Stephen McCarthy, whose family had farmed Oregon orchards for generations. Drawing on the eau-de-vie traditions he discovered traveling in Europe, McCarthy became the first American distiller to make grappa. Now based in Hood River, Oregon, the distillery is renowned for its fruit brandies and its uncompromising small-batch, European-style craft.

Style & Production

Grappa is made by distilling the pomace, the grape skins and seeds left after pressing for wine. This single-variety bottling uses the pomace of Sangiovese, the noble red grape at the heart of Tuscany’s great wines. Distilled in the artisanal Italian manner and bottled clear and unaged, it is an American take on a classic Italian spirit, made with grapes grown in the Pacific Northwest.

Tasting Notes

This is a bold, distinctive grappa. It arrives with an electric, aromatic zing and firm grappa intensity, with herbal and lightly tannic notes giving way to a touch of plum on the finish. Assertive and warming, it rewards slow sipping and is a grappa for those who enjoy real character in the glass.

What to Pair It With

Its bold profile stands up to rich finishes. Pour it alongside our Flourless Chocolate Cake or a charcuterie board, and it is a fine digestif after our American Wagyu steaks. Explore the full dine-in menu for more.

How It’s Served at Grappa

We serve Clear Creek Sangiovese neat as a digestif, poured at $21, to be sipped slowly after dinner.

FAQ

Where is it from?

It is made by Clear Creek Distillery in Hood River, Oregon, an American producer crafting grappa in the Italian tradition from Sangiovese pomace.

What does it taste like?

It is bold and distinctive, with an aromatic, herbal intensity, firm grappa character and a touch of plum on the finish, best enjoyed slowly.

Is this a real grappa if it’s American?

Yes. Grappa is a style of pomace brandy, and Clear Creek’s founder was the first American distiller to make it, following the artisanal Italian method with Oregon-grown grapes.

Let Clear Creek Sangiovese close your evening with character: book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and explore the dine-in menu.