www.chemalliance.org/handbook/plant/case_study.asp?CSID=300 - 7k -

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Note added at 15 hrs (2006-12-29 07:50:49 GMT)
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Direct steam distillation is similar to the second method but the steam is hotter and passed through the plant material at a higher pressure. This method is used for fresh plant material that has a high boiling point such as seeds, roots and wood. It is also used for fresh plant material such as peppermint and spearmint. The crop is cut and placed in a metal distilling tank on a truck. It is then taken to the distilling tank on the truck. Steam is forced through the fresh herbs and the oil droplets are carried by the steam through a vapor pipe at the top of the tank onto a cool condensing chamber.
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/faqs/medi-4-1-distilling.htm...

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Note added at 15 hrs (2006-12-29 07:53:55 GMT)
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Method of distillation
The fermented residue is transferred in a distillery straight after the emptying of the barrels and their relative pressing. The continuous distillation is then carried out by direct steam with the re-distillation of the alcoholic phlegm. Once the “Grappa” has been obtained, it is then placed in stainless steel vats for refining for a period of approximately 6 months.

Grappa Stravecchia

Grappa obtained from the distillation of a blend of marcs from veneto's selected grapes using direct steam process. During the long natural ageing slavonian oak selected barrels imbue this marvelous product with an unmistakable amber colour, a soft and very harmonious taste and a delicate and particularly pleasant bouquet.