[ClearCase_guy]

I don't know for sure, but I think "whiff of the grape" probably refers to grapeshot. Also known as cannister, it was ordance for cannons. Nasty, short-range stuff that turned an ordinary cannon into a giant shotgun. Used on naval vessels as well as on land, for when the enemy is trying to overrun your position.

[AnAmericanMother]

The famous "whiff of grape" was bestowed by the Emperor-to-be Napoleon Bonaparte (who started his military career as an artilleryman) upon a pro-royalist mob in October 1795. He basically cleared the streets by firing cannons loaded with grapeshot down the major avenues. He was acting on behalf of the Directory at the time, but of course (as Talleyrand said in Kipling's short story) "by the time you present your order, only one signature will be necessary."