Pinot Noir and Dappa: The Perfect Match of Tradition and Innovation
Pinot Noir, one of the world’s most celebrated grape varieties, is known for its delicate and complex flavours. At Devon Distillery, we use the Pinot Noir grape skins to create our unique grape-marc spirit, Dappa. This partnership between a traditional wine grape and innovative distillation techniques results in a spirit that is both rich in history and full of modern character.
The Versatility of Pinot Noir: From Wine to Spirit
Pinot Noir is revered for producing some of the finest wines in the world, with its light-bodied and fruity profile making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts. Its thin skin and sensitivity to climate and soil conditions mean that every vineyard’s Pinot Noir is a reflection of its terroir.
At Devon Distillery, we take the grape skins left over from the winemaking process—also known as pomace—and upcycle them into Dappa. While Pinot Noir is known for producing elegant wines with notes of red berries, floral tones, and earthy undertones, it also lends a subtle complexity to Dappa.
How the Skins Shape Dappa’s Flavour
When Pinot Noir grape skins are distilled, they retain the essence of the fruit, resulting in a spirit that is both smooth and aromatic. In Dappa, you can find delicate hints of red fruit, including strawberry and cherry, as well as floral and herbal notes that add complexity to the spirit.
The natural flavours of the grape skins are carefully preserved during our traditional steam distillation process, allowing Dappa to capture the essence of the grape while transforming it into a unique spirit with its own character. The result is a smooth, versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, chilled, or in cocktails.
Sustainability in Action: Upcycling Skins
At Devon Distillery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By using the grape skins from local vineyards’ production, we ensure that nothing goes to waste. This upcycling process allows us to create a high-quality spirit while reducing the environmental impact of winemaking.
By partnering with some of the UK’s leading vineyards, including Bolney Wine Estate, Sharpham Wine, and others, we are able to source the finest Pinot Noir skins to craft Dappa. Each bottle of Dappa reflects the care and attention that goes into both the winemaking and distillation processes.
A Shared Commitment to Craftsmanship
Both winemakers and Devon Distillery share a commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Producing Pinot Noir is no easy feat—its thin skins and sensitivity to growing conditions require precision and care. Similarly, creating Dappa from Pinot Noir skins requires a careful distillation process to ensure that the spirit retains the delicate nuances of the grape.
By using traditional distillation techniques, we at Devon Distillery are able to capture the essence of the grape, producing a spirit that is smooth, full of character, and perfectly balanced. Each bottle of Dappa represents a collaboration between the vineyard and the distillery, showcasing the best of both worlds.
The Future of Pinot Noir and Dappa
As we continue to produce Dappa, we remain committed to celebrating the role of Pinot Noir in shaping the flavour of our grape-marc spirit. Dappa not only reflects the rich heritage of Pinot Noir as a wine grape but also highlights the innovative ways that we can transform traditional ingredients into something entirely new.
By upcycling skins, we ensure that this exceptional grape is celebrated in both its traditional wine form and as a unique spirit that embodies sustainability, quality, and craftsmanship.
