Grappa is the national brandy of Italy. It is distilled from the skins, pips, and stalks of grapes. Sometimes known as pomace brandy, young grappa is very fiery, but it mellows when matured in wood. French also produce a pomace brandy that is called Marc.

Of the French marcs, those of Burgundy and Champagne are among those that enjoy the greatest reputation among brandy drinkers.