Marolo
Alba, Piedmont
Founded in 1977 in Alba, Italy, proprietor and head distiller Paolo Marolo creates his grappa by following two simple rules: source superior, single varietal pomace and press it as soon as possible. Freshness is so essential to Paolo that he keeps his discontinuous “Bain Marie” copper stills running around the clock during the harvest season.
The discontinuous distillation method is more expensive than the modern, automated alternative and requires a great deal of experience and confidence on the part of the distiller. However, this traditional approach is favoured because it allows him to manually control the pace and evolution of the distillation. Over the years, Paolo has successfully developed key relationships with wineries throughout Italy to secure the finest pomace for Grappa Marolo.
Now with second generation distiller Lorenzo Marolo overseeing many of the operations as well as having much more of a hand in Marolo’s stylistic and product direction, the distillery has started the process of diversifying into vermouth and amaro under the ‘Ulrich’ line. The first of these, the Amaro Ulrich, is a spice-laden bitter of mind-bending uniqueness.
Bianco Vermouth 750mL
“Something special, without exaggeration.” This was the request of the Savoy ladies, the pride and pleasure of the bourgeoisie, who would frequent Turin’s Art Nouveau cafés. The Vermouth Rosso, with its high alcohol and masculine characteristics, was softened for the female palate. The colour lightened, the aromas became more delicate and the infusions were graceful not brash. This is how the Vermouth Bianco from Dr. Domenico Ulrich was born. It has a perfect balance between sweet and bitter notes, great both for mixing or drinking straight, with or without ice. This is the aperitif par excellence. Best served with a squeeze of fresh lemon and an orange twist to enhance the floral notes.
Rosso Vermouth 750mL
First, original, foundational. Vermouth Rosso is the very soul of the aperitif. It is the product that has shaped the habits of its producer. Originally, the colour of Vermouth Rosso was amber due to the use of browned sugar, also known as “burnt”. Later on, caramel was used as a more aggressive colouring agent, darkening the tone of the vermouth. Marolo, staying faithful to the original 1854 recipe, has gone back to true method of making Vermouth Rosso, with burnt sugar. It does not change the aromatic profile of the vermouth, and in fact, enhances the notes of orange peel, gentian and lemon balm from Piedmont. It is a must for any occasion, served on the rocks and garnished with an orange twist for maximum smoothness.
Amaro ‘Ulrich’ 700mL
Amaro Ulrich was first made in 1854 to a recipe by Dr Domenico Ulrich, and is now produced in a revised version by the Marolo Distillery, which has years of experience in liqueur and spirit making. Amaro Ulrich contains the active ingredients of 19 herbs, flowers, fruits and roots, making it an effective and reinvigorating digestif. Top note flavours among the various ingredients are wormwood, gentian and anise, and it is precisely the natural nature of the formula that gives it its unique, unmistakable character. The entirely traditional method of production keeps the active and aromatic substances that typify the product unaltered.
Amaro Ulrich may be served straight or "on the rocks". It can also be used in a wide variety of cocktails.
Tasting Notes:
Top note flavours among the various ingredients are wormwood, gentian and anise, and it is precisely the natural nature of the formula that gives it its unique, unmistakable character.
Barbera ‘Monriondo’ 5 y/o Grappa 700mL
Obtained from Barbera pomaces carefully selected in the Barbera d'Alba area. Amber‑coloured grappa, with light red tints, taken from its aging in barriques previously used for alcoholic processed wines. Intense and delightful vanilla and fruit aroma. Supple but at the same time full and round taste.
Moscato Grappa 700mL
From Moscato d'Asti's pomaces. Transparent and clear in colour; aromatic and destinctively delightful aroma. Intense yet smooth and aromatic flavour.
Tasting Note:
Here, Moscato is used to create a grappa of softness and character. The raw nature of white grappa is balanced by familiar Moscato aromas of grape, mint and spice, making this a little juicier perhaps than some of Marolo’s more ‘serious’ offerings. Marc used here is from a number of well known Moscato producers like Giuseppe Vajra, Walter Bera and Gianni Voerzio
Barolo 9 y/o Grappa 700mL
A floral flavor that leads to honey joins the fruity base. Another distinguishing mark, coming from the long aging, is the spicy range dominated by the scent of the wood of the barrel that gives to this grappa perfumes of cinnamon, tobacco and liquorice, with a vanilla end.
Tasting Note:
Long ageing in oak and acacia barriques changes the flavour characteristics of fine grappa. This 9 year old grappa di Barolo reaches a level of complete and finesse: rounded palate of Milk Chocolate, leather and sweet hazelnuts.