Poli Distillerie

Poli Distillerie is a family-owned artisan distillery established in 1898 in Schiavon, Veneto, Italy — producing single-varietal grappas from fresh grape pomace in traditional copper stills. Core expressions include Sarpa di Poli (Merlot and Cabernet pomace), Sarpa Barrique (oak-aged), Cleopatra Moscato Oro (Moscato Giallo pomace), Jacopo Poli Vespaiolo, and herbal liqueurs including the chamomile-infused Camomilla.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes single-varietal grappa different from standard grappa?

Traditional Italian grappa was historically made from blended pomace — the pressed grape skins, seeds, and stems from multiple varieties, often mixed after pressing regardless of origin. The result was a generic, often harsh spirit with no varietal character. Single-varietal grappa (monovitigno) distills the pomace from one specific grape variety separately and immediately after pressing while still fresh and moist. Fresh single-variety pomace preserves the aromatic compounds specific to that grape: Moscato pomace produces grappa with the same floral, peach, and apricot character as Moscato wine; Merlot pomace produces a softer, more red-fruit-forward spirit. Poli is one of the producers that pioneered the monovitigno approach in the Veneto — the same innovation that Nonino brought to Friuli in 1973. Fresh pomace distillation requires working immediately after harvest and pressing, making it more logistically demanding than blended industrial pomace, which is why most commercial grappa is not single-varietal.

What is the difference between Sarpa di Poli and Cleopatra Moscato Oro?

Sarpa di Poli is made from fresh Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon pomace from the Veneto — the red grape skins produce a grappa with more body, darker fruit character, and a warmer, more robust profile. It is unaged (or minimally rested), clear, and represents the classic Venetian grappa style. Cleopatra Moscato Oro is distilled from Moscato Giallo (Yellow Muscat) pomace and then aged in small French oak barrels, producing a golden-colored grappa with the Moscato variety’s characteristic floral and apricot aromatics plus vanilla and spice from oak. The Sarpa is the more traditional, food-pairing style; the Cleopatra Moscato Oro is the sipping and gifting expression — more complex, more aromatic, more approachable for those who find unaged grappa too austere.