Rondo and Dappa: Crafting a Bold, Rich Spirit from an Exceptional Grape
The Rondo grape variety is known for its deep colour and full-bodied flavour, making it an excellent choice for producing rich red wines. At Devon Distillery, we upcycle the skins of this distinctive grape to create Dappa, our award-winning grape-marc spirit. With its bold, fruity notes and vibrant character, Rondo plays a key role in shaping the complex and robust flavour profile of Dappa.
Rondo: A Cold-Climate Grape with Big Flavour
Rondo is a hybrid grape that thrives in cooler climates, making it an ideal choice for many vineyards across the UK. Its early ripening nature and resistance to disease allow it to develop deep, rich colours and concentrated flavours even in challenging growing conditions.
Typically used to produce bold red wines, Rondo is celebrated for its intense colour and fruit-forward profile, often with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. These same characteristics make Rondo an ideal grape for producing Dappa, where its depth and richness are captured in our traditional distillation process.
How Rondo Shapes Dappa’s Bold Flavour
When the skins of Rondo grapes are distilled, they retain the intense fruit flavours and vibrant colour that make this grape variety so distinctive. At Devon Distillery, we upcycle these skins—also known as pomace—after they have been pressed for wine, transforming them into Dappa, a smooth yet bold spirit that highlights the essence of the Rondo grape.
In Dappa, the influence of Rondo is unmistakable. The spirit carries notes of dark berries, black pepper, and a hint of spice, giving it a robust character that is both smooth and complex. The natural flavours of the grape skins are carefully preserved through our traditional steam distillation process, allowing the true character of Rondo to shine through in every sip.
Sustainability and Craftsmanship: Upcycling Rondo Skins
At Devon Distillery, sustainability is central to our production process. By upcycling the grape skins from Rondo and other red grape varieties, we ensure that nothing goes to waste. This upcycling process allows us to create a high-quality spirit that reduces the environmental impact of winemaking, while also producing a product that is rich in character and flavour.
Our partnerships with some of the UK’s finest vineyards, including Bolney Wine Estate, Sharpham Wine, Denbies, and more, allow us to source the best Rondo skins for Dappa. Each bottle of Dappa reflects not only the quality of the grape but also our dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Crafting a Spirit That Reflects Rondo’s Boldness
Creating Dappa from Rondo grape skins is a process that requires attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Both the vineyards that grow Rondo and the distillers at Devon Distillery share a focus on craftsmanship, ensuring that each step of the process—from grape to glass—results in a product of exceptional quality.
Our traditional steam distillation techniques allow us to preserve the unique flavours of the Rondo grape, creating a spirit that is bold, smooth, and full of character. Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, or in cocktails, Dappa offers a taste experience that reflects the best of both the winemaking and distillation worlds.
The Future of Rondo and Dappa
As we continue to produce Dappa, we are proud to celebrate the role that Rondo plays in shaping its bold, complex flavour. Rondo is more than just a grape variety—it’s a key ingredient in the unique character of Dappa, a spirit that reflects both tradition and innovation.
By upcycling Rondo skins, we honour the rich history of this grape while also highlighting its potential in creating something new and exciting in the world of spirits. Each bottle of Dappa showcases the versatility of Rondo and our commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
