Several conversations among my fellow travelers have already occurred regarding how to legally bring wine back into the States. I suppose this question is arising because people are hoping to find astonishing wines at great prices. Astonishing wines, maybe. Great prices, no way. I’m not even entertaining the idea for several reasons. 1) I’ve never been good at understanding the legality of moving alcohol between states much less between countries and continents. 2) I’m afraid to declare anything at US Customs because of what else noisy inspectors might find in my suitcase. One year when traveling back from Europe with my brother-in-law, he declared some very good Italian salami. Good intention, but it was confiscated in a heartbeat. I, on the other hand, enjoyed my undeclared meats, cheeses, and olives for weeks. 3) Why bring back wine when you can bring back Grappa, one of Italy’s national after dinner drinks?
Like good wine, good grappa has long legs, an attractive bouquet and a fine finish. Not so good grappa is like drinking kerosene. Bad kerosene at that. Grappa is made from the leftovers of the wine making process. The grape skins, sticks, seeds and anything else left after the grapes are crushed are hauled off and distilled. When I lived in Tennessee, we used a similar process with corn, but called it moonshine. In Italy, it’s grappa!
Grappa is an acquired taste. The first sip of grappa by the unbaptized usually results in crinkled noses, squinted eyes, a gagging sensation and an urgent desire to flee from the room. I always appreciate it when this happens at dinner parties we’re hosting because it means my limited supply will last through the evening. Personally, I love the stuff and will be bringing small bubble wrap bags to bring lots back. If anyone has a little extra room in their suitcase, let me know.
It's fun reading your interesting blogs, Skip. I've got to say, I'm a nose-crinkler when it comes to grappa, but perhaps it's because I haven't partaken of the good stuff. Save some of your bubble-wrapped goodies and let me sample real Italian moonshine! Have fun, be safe, and enjoy your new bike. Hugs to Rosey!
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