Why is Grappa considered a by-product?

Grappa is considered a by-product primarily because it is produced during the distillation of wine. Specifically, it is made from the pomace, which includes the grape skins, seeds, and stems left over after the winemaking process has extracted the juice for fermentation. This distillation of the leftover materials allows for the creation of a spirit that utilizes what would otherwise be waste, thus categorizing it as a by-product of the winemaking industry.

The fact that it is derived from these residues underscores its nature as a secondary product rather than a primary one like wine itself. This process of utilizing leftovers for distillation helps to emphasize sustainability in production practices and demonstrates the resourcefulness of distillers in making full use of grape materials.