New dawn for distiller

Giorgio Dalla Cia and his son, George, in their new grappa distillery.

The new distillery is on new premises at Bosman's Crossing in Stellenbosch; the first Dalla Cia distillery was founded in the 1920's in Friuli, Italy.

“After 10 years on Meerlust, we have found a new and even bigger home that offers us the opportunity not only to produce grappa for ourselves, but to produce small quantities of brandy for others as well,” said Giorgio, who is known fondly as the father of grappa in South Africa.

The product in South Africa has enjoyed high acclaim both locally and internationally under son George's expert guidance and relentless pursuit of quality, improvement and perfection.

New international legislation whereby the name grappa may no longer be used for husk spirit produced outside Italy, has inspired George to register “G” as part of their trademark and it will outlive the grappa name debate. The current Dalla Cia G range consists of two blended grappas: Pinot Noir Chardonnay and Cabernet Merlot. The latter is also available in a softer and friendlier wood matured “Premium” version at a lower alcohol level of 40%.

Next door to the new distillery is the new tasting room where their full wine and grappa range is available both for tasting and purchase.

George's wife, Elena, manages Pane e Vino, the food and wine bar where the tasting room is located, and visitors can enjoy the lightly wooded Dalla Cia Chardonnay, the crisp, low-acidity Dalla Cia Sauvignon Blanc and the sought-after classic Bordeaux blend, Giorgio, as they savour Elena's authentic Italian food.

At Pane e Vino, simple classic Italian dishes make use of local seasonal ingredients, the best locally produced olive oil and fiordilatte mozzarella and are served with Elena's home-baked focaccia. A few imported Italian essentials such as Parma ham, Pistacchio Mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano complete the offering.