Grappa time!

What is a “Schnapszahl”?

A “Schnapszahl" (“schnapps number") is a multidigit with identical digits, for example 11 or 22. There are two probable interpretations of its origin: The first one says that when you are drunk, instead of seeing a 1, you see a double - 11. The second interpretation comes from parlor games. If a player reached a rep- digit when adding up the points, he had to buy a round of schnapps.

Since when have people been making schnapps in South Tyrol?

In the Alpine region, the history of schnapps distilling can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The first small, full-time distilleries were established in South and North Tyrol around 1900. Initially partly as moonshiners, later on officially commissioned by the German Reich to supply the Wehrmacht during the years of war. Gottfried Roner began his first distilling experiments in the early 1940s with two brother friends in a small distillery.

How long has Roner been in business?

Gottfried Roner began distilling in 1946, using a still in his parents' house. Meanwhile, the brewery has become a third-generation business.

What is a grappa?

Grappa - the queen of spirits - is distilled from grape marc. The location of the Roner Distilleries between the “Kalterersee” and Gewürztraminer vineyards is therefore perfect. Only grappa distilled and processed in Italy from local marc may be called grappa. The “farmer's grappa”, also called “Treber”, reflects the diversity of varieties in our wine region.

Why schnapps?

There is a long tradition of capturing the healing properties of herbs and roots in a distillate in the Alpine region. In many places, schnapps is still used for colds, toothache and as a digestive drink today. For practical and hygienic reasons, the lower part of the bottle, the bottom of the bottle, is also glued on afterwards in the Roner family business.