What are Digestifs?
Pronounced “dig-est-EEF” this classification of alcoholic beverages is enjoyed after dinner to both aid in digestion and to extend the pleasure of good company after a satisfying meal. Digestifs are higher in alcohol, at about 18-20%, than dinner wines, at 11-14%. A tradition in Europe, the digestif is, sadly, often overlooked in the US. Let’s change that.
A digestif is the opposite of an apéritif, a drink enjoyed before dinner to whet the appetite. Aperitifs, such as gin or dry vermouth, tend to be dry and bitter and serve to wake up the digestive processes. Digestifs, in contrast, are less acidic and higher in alcohol, and offer a more relaxing, richer flavor profile. Also called dessert wines, digestifs may or may not be sweet. Dessert is a reference to when these drinks are generally served.
Americans are not as familiar with digestifs as our European friends in part because we tend to have dinner earlier in the day and serve our multiple dishes as a single main course. For us, multi-course meals are generally reserved for holidays and special occasions. The custom in Europe is to savor dinner later in the day and serve dishes in more elaborate stages spread over three, four, or more courses that often leave the diners feeling quite full. An after-dinner drink is perfect for relaxing with friends and family while getting the digestive processes going before drifting off to sleep.
Among the most popular digestifs are fortified wines like port wines, sherry, or sweet vermouth. Alcoholic digestifs are typically served in smaller glasses, like a cordial glass or snifter, in which a 2-3 ounce pour won’t look out of place. You also want a glass that will make the most of the drink’s aromatics. Digestifs are usually served neat at room temperature.
Poca Terra currently offers four port-style dessert wines:
Golden Eagle™
Our Golden Eagle is a blend of peach and white wines fortified with fine brandy. Brandy is a distilled wine. Considered a “white port,” the Golden Eagle has subtle flavors that gently lure you into a relaxed state of full appreciation.
Tawny Owl™
The Tawny Owl is a blend of our own Chambourcin red wine and brandy with just a hint of honey. Its complex flavors are especially valued by our bourbon-loving guests. Of our three port-style wines, the Golden Eagle is, arguably, Karen’s personal favorite while the Tawny Owl is favored by John.
Black Raven™
Our Black Raven stands out as a fan favorite. A blend of blackberry and white wines boosted with brandy, the Black Raven is a rich, full-flavored digestif that fills the mouth with its good spirits. Each is different and delicious in its own special way.
White Falcon™
Our White Falcon™ is a harmonious blend of premium white wine and fine brandy. Notes of baked apples caramelized with brown sugar and earthy spices enriched with a buttery viscosity that lingers on the palate like a warm hug.
Next time you host a dinner party, toward the end of the evening, set out a collection of cordial glasses along with a bottle of each of our port-style wines. Allow your guests to choose for themselves the perfect ending to a perfect evening shared with friends. It will be an experience they will long remember and long appreciate.
References:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-a-digestif-4160394 Retrieved 5/22/2023
https://food52.com/drinks/14764-when-you-can-t-eat-any-more-drink-a-digestif Retrieved 5/22/2023