Few spirits close an Italian evening as gracefully as a fine grappa, and at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle, the Jacopo Poli Sarpa di Poli is a quiet point of pride. Poured neat as a digestif, it carries the unmistakable signature of one of Veneto’s most respected distilling families, a final flourish to dinner that rewards an unhurried sip.
About the Distillery
Poli Distillerie was founded in 1898 in Schiavon, near Bassano del Grappa, in the heart of Veneto. For four generations the Poli family has remained at the helm, and the distillery is run today by Jacopo Poli alongside his siblings. Their reputation rests on an artisan philosophy: small lots, patient craft, and a respect for tradition that has made the family name a benchmark for Italian grappa. The result is a portfolio of distillates prized for their balance of personality and elegance.
Style & Production
Sarpa di Poli is a young, unaged grappa, a Grappa Bianca, distilled from the pomace of Merlot and Cabernet grapes, a Bordeaux-style blend drawn from the hills around Bassano. In the Venetian dialect, “sarpa” means grape pomace, the very raw material from which grappa is born. The pomace is distilled in small batches using a discontinuous copper still fitted with steam pots, an artisan method that coaxes out aromatic depth while preserving the fresh, vinous character of the grapes.
Tasting Notes
Sarpa di Poli shows a robust, almost rustic character softened by genuine refinement. The nose opens with pleasantly grassy scents reminiscent of freshly cut grass, followed by an aroma of wine and red flowers, geranium, rose and violet. There is an evocative impression of a basket of red grapes and berries, finished with a rose. The palate is warming and expressive, dry and clean, with a lingering floral-vinous finish that makes it a memorable way to end a meal.
What to Pair It With
A young grappa is a natural companion to dessert and to lingering conversation. We love it alongside Mama’s Tiramisu, whose espresso-soaked layers echo the spirit’s aromatic lift, or with our Flourless Chocolate Cake for a richer contrast. For something lighter, the Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta lets the grappa’s floral notes shine. Explore the full dine-in menu to build your evening around it.
How It’s Served at Grappa
At Grappa, Sarpa di Poli is poured as a digestif at $13, served neat in a tulip-shaped glass at a gentle cool temperature so its delicate aromatics open fully. It is the kind of pour meant to be savored slowly as the table winds down.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Sarpa di Poli is made by Poli Distillerie, an artisan family distillery founded in 1898 in Schiavon, in the Veneto region of northern Italy near Bassano del Grappa.
What does it taste like?
It has a robust yet refined character with grassy, freshly cut hay aromas and notes of wine and red flowers such as geranium, rose and violet, finishing dry, warming and floral.
Is it strong or smooth?
It is a young grappa with a bold, lively character that is balanced by the Poli family’s careful craft, making it spirited but elegant and best enjoyed slowly as a digestif.
Ready to enjoy it in person? Book a table at Grappa in Queen Anne, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and explore the dine-in menu to plan your evening.
