Marolo Grappa Dedicata al Padre is a Piedmontese grappa bianca poured by the glass at Grappa, our Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Crafted by Distilleria Marolo of Santa Vittoria d’Alba, it is a heartfelt tribute bottling, dedicated to the father of the Marolo family, and one of the most expressive, full-bodied grappe on our list. We chose it for guests who want to close a meal the way the Piedmont does: with a clear, characterful spirit that carries the soul of the Langhe and Roero hills in every sip.
About the Distillery
Distilleria Marolo, officially named Santa Teresa, was founded in 1977 by Paolo Marolo together with his brother in Alba, the capital of the Langhe and one of the world’s great winegrowing districts. A former enology teacher, Paolo built the house around a single conviction: that the finest distillates come from the pomace of the finest Italian grapes, especially those of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Today the distillery is run by Paolo alongside his son Lorenzo, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern precision and a deep respect for terroir.
Style & Production
Dedicata al Padre is a grappa bianca, an unaged white grappa distilled from the pomace of red grape varieties grown in the Roero area of Piedmont. Marolo reintroduced the traditional steam method using discontinuous bain-marie copper stills, a slower and more costly approach than industrial continuous distillation, but one that preserves the smoothness, aromatic depth and complexity of the original grapes. The stills run around the clock during harvest, distilled in small batches so the fresh character of the pomace comes through clean and vivid. This is a robust, high-proof grappa, the boldest in the Marolo classic range, and it wears that intensity with grace.
Tasting Notes
Expect a bright, perfumed nose of flaked almond, green apple and pear, with floral lift and a warm spice of white pepper and cinnamon. The palate is full and powerful yet remarkably pure, layering orchard fruit and delicate vegetal, green-wood notes against the fine grip of red-wine tannin. The finish is long, warming and resolutely dry, the kind of close that lingers and invites another quiet sip.
What to Pair It With
As a digestif, Dedicata al Padre is wonderful alongside something sweet and rich. Try it with Mama’s Tiramisu, the Flourless Chocolate Cake, or a cool, silky Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta. It also makes a fine after-dinner partner to our Charcuterie Board. Explore the full dine-in menu to build the meal that leads up to it.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We pour Marolo Dedicata al Padre neat as a digestif, served in a tulip glass at $12 per pour so its aromatics can open and breathe, the traditional Piedmontese way to end an evening.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is made by Distilleria Marolo in Santa Vittoria d’Alba, in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, from the pomace of red grapes grown in the Roero hills.
What does it taste like?
It offers aromas of flaked almond, green apple, pear and flowers with warm white pepper and cinnamon, leading to a full, pure palate and a long, dry finish.
Is it strong or smooth?
It is a bold, high-proof grappa bianca and the most intense in Marolo’s classic range, yet the steam distillation in copper bain-marie stills keeps it remarkably smooth.
Ready to enjoy it with us? Book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and explore the dine-in menu.
