Each region in France has its own Marc which is considered the equivalent of italian grappa. It is extracted from marcs called marc de raisin. The area of origin is usually added after the wording Marc: that’s why you can find Marc d’Aquitaine, Marc de Bourgogne and so on. The liqueur is nominated using affectionate expressions like “burning soul”, “liquid fire ”or vieux Marc”, “fine Marc”, “eau de vie”.
According to the region of origin it is sold in the same bottles used for wines: Marc in Borgogne area in bourguignonne bottles, the one from Champagne area in champagne bottles and so on. This spirit fits very well for aging and it is rarely flavoured with herbs or roots.
You can enjoy Marc both as a pre dinner and an after dinner drink, sipping it or dowining the hatch.
Source: Wikipedia
We had the chance to taste a vintage MARC 1995 produced by M.Chapoutier, a great producer of french wines from Vallée du Rhône.
M.Chapoutier produces only vintage spirits aged up to 40 years. The intense and amber shade proves the aged quality of the spirit and its destination (Far East, where dark spirits are particularly appreciated).
The spirit is aged for 20 years in french oak barrels in order to reach an amber shade with bronze reflections.
You can smell candy apple scents that evolve in shades of white pulp fruits, curry and Sencha tea.
The taste is a surprise: vanilla and blond tobacco notes, full flavours of dried herbs and a hint of salt.
Although Marc is a close relative of Italian Grappa it is different from Italian Aged Grappa which has a very distinctive personality and philosophy.
