Carpano Vermouth Antica Formula 750ml

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Rich, fruity and enticing, this sweet vermouth is warmed with notes of fig and dried cherries, and just faint hints of spiced gingerbread and bitter orange peel. Drinkable solo as an apéritif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite. 

Producer Description 

Made using white wines from various Italian grape varieties from the Romagna, Puglia and Sicily regions, processed within 24 hours of receiving to prevent oxidation. The numerous aromatic plants that go into the recipe of Antica Formula are extracted by hot infusion or cold extraction. The process is extremely precise and lengthy (some of the botanical ingredients require months of processing). Once the various plants and herbs have been put together, they undergo a refining stage which can last for several months. This is so that they can blend together properly and release all their fragrance and aromatic intensity. 

Antica Formula stands out thanks to its unique bouquet and its unmistakable notes of the best quality vanilla from the tropical regions of Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Tahiti. In fact, only the beans produced by the plant, and no other derivatives, are used in the recipe. Vanilla was known in Aztec times and has appetite-stimulating and digestive properties.The saffron used in Antica Formula is of a very high quality and comes mainly from the plateau areas in Iran. Wormwood, vermouth's essential ingredient, is gathered exclusively from the Alps of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. 

It has a strong bouquet of vanilla with spicy, citrusy and dried fruit notes of almond, raisins and cloves. The palate has a well-rounded, rich vanilla taste that picks up the aromas from the nose. Combines well with the bitter orange, dates, cocoa beans and saffron flavours. Delectable solo as a digestif, or use it as a central ingredient in a cocktail.

Makes for a delicious, definitive Manhattan!