Distilleria Levi Serafino di Levi Romano Grappa della Donna Selvatica 1994 49% alc by vol.

Specialist report: Distilleria Levi Serafino Grappa della Donna Selvatica 1994 (49% vol.)

1. distillery & background:

• Distilleria Levi Serfino:A traditional, highly respected grappa distillery in northern Italy (typically Veneto or Friuli), known for handcrafted, often long-matured grappas with great character. The distillery emphasises the selection of the best grape mashes and gentle distillation.

• Philosophy:Focus on terroir expression, complexity and longevity. The use of "Grappa della Donna Selvatica" (Grappa of the Wild Woman) indicates a special, perhaps powerful or original character, possibly related to specific grape varieties or locations.

2. the product:

• Name: Grappa della Donna Selvatica

• Vintage: 1994- An extremely rare and important vintage. Grappas of this maturity are absolute rarities and reflect an outstanding harvest and perfect storage conditions.

• Alcohol content: 49% vol.- An unusual but excellently chosen value. It is below the typical bottling strength for young grappas (often 50-60% vol.), which indicates a very long maturation in wood. The alcohol content is reduced in the wood through evaporation ("angel's share") and oxidation. 49% vol. after 30 years indicates an originally very high bottling strength and promises a perfect integration of alcohol, flavour and texture.

• Distillation base:High-quality grape mashes (marc) from the 1994 harvest. The exact varieties are not specified, but mashes from indigenous varieties such as Prosecco (Glera), Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet or special autochthonous varieties would be typical of the distillery's premium grappas.

• Distillation:Certainly using the discontinuous process in copper stills (alambicco discontinuo), the traditional and highest quality process for complex grappas.

• Ageing: Approx. 30 years(until at least 2024) - This is the absolutely outstanding aspect. The ageing was most likely carried out in large, used wooden barrels (Slavonian oak, acacia or chestnut). This long maturation results in

  • Deep colour development: amber, old gold, mahogany tones.

  • Extreme roundness: The sharpness and roughness of the young distillate are fully integrated.

  • Complex flavour development: Primary fruit notes develop into dried fruit, spices, wood, nuts, tobacco, leather and earthy tones.

  • Incredible texture: Silky, oily, long-lasting on the palate.

• Finish: No filtration or only very gentle filtration to preserve the complex texture and flavours. Natural flavour.

3. sensory evaluation (expectation & typical profile):

• Colour: Deep, warm amber, old gold, with reddish or mahogany reflections. Very viscous, slowly draining "tears".

• Nose:Extremely complex and multi-layered. Initially intense, ripe dried fruit (apricot, fig, date, sultana), then notes of honey, balsamic vinegar, fine wood (delicate vanilla, cedar), nuts (walnut, hazelnut), light tobacco, fine leather, an earthy minerality and a hint of exotic spices (liquorice, cardamom). The alcohol is fully integrated and only contributes to the flavour.

• Palate:Voluminous, silky and incredibly smooth. The complexity of the nose continues: ripe dried fruit, honey sweetness, nutty spice, subtle wood notes (no sharp oak tannin), tobacco leaves, a fine bitterness (like fine chocolate or coffee) and mineral depth. The alcohol (49%) is perfectly integrated, provides warmth without burning, and the texture is oily and long-lasting.

• Finish:Extremely long, warm and persistent. The flavours of dried fruit, nuts, wood and spicy minerality linger for minutes. Elegant, powerful and unforgettable.

4. meaning & evaluation:

• Rarity: A grappa aged for 30 years is an absolute rarity and represents the pinnacle of the Italian art of distillation.

• Contemporary document: It embodies the quality of the grape mash from 1994 and the distillery's expertise over three decades.

• Sensory excellence:It offers a unique complexity, depth and texture that can only be achieved through extreme patience and perfect ageing.

• Collector's potion: A piece of Italian cultural history and a coveted object for connoisseurs and collectors.

• Price segment:Undoubtedly belongs to the absolute premium or luxury class. The price reflects the extreme ageing period, the rarity and the outstanding quality.

5th tasting tip:

• Temperature: Enjoy at approx. 18-20°C in a large, bulbous grappa or cognac glass.

• Time: Take your time. Allow the grappa to breathe in the glass and discover the developing layers of flavour.

• Accompaniment: Pure as a contemplation drink. Possibly with a high-quality dark chocolate or a cigar (for connoisseurs).

Conclusion:
The Distilleria Levi Serafino Grappa della Donna Selvatica 1994 (49% vol.) is an exceptional distillate of historical significance and sensory mastery. Its 30 years of ageing have created a grappa of unrivalled complexity, depth and velvety texture, in which the alcohol content is perfectly integrated. It represents the fine art of grappa production and is an absolute rarity for discerning connoisseurs and collectors. A piece of liquid Italian cultural heritage.