Mountain pine grappa is an alcoholic beverage from the Trentino tradition with an intense flavor. At my home, grandma prepares this liqueur every year, and it’s always highly appreciated by friends and relatives.

Where to find the mountain pine?
Also known as dwarf pine, it grows in bushes in the Alps and Apennines (from 4265 to 8858 feet) with a typically prostrate and low or small tree-like form, depending on environmental conditions and wind. It’s an evergreen needle-leaved plant, often forming an effective barrier against landslides in the mountains and providing excellent shelter for animals.

When is the best time to collect the cones?