This alcoholic drink is distilled from grape mash, dried grapes or sultanas. If it has not been matured in oak barrels and is therefore "clear" (uncoloured) compared to a brandy, it is called a Klarer aus Wein in Austria (a "Klarer" could also come from other starting products). A grape brandy is produced without the addition of sugary substances, sugar and alcohol. In contrast, a brandy is distilled from wine. A grape spirit made from dried grapes from Turkey is raki. See also under Brandy and Spirits.
For me, Lexicon from wein.plus is the most comprehensive and best source of information about wine currently available.
Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)