Vermouth & Apertif

Producer Description 

Carpano Antica Formula is hailed as the "King of Vermouth" by master mixologists and was created by the inventor of modern vermouth. Enhance any cocktail with rich, dark notes of licorice, herbs, figs, cocoa and sweet cinnamon. The most recommended vermouth for Manhattans and Negronis.

The nose has a strong bouquet of vanilla with spice, citrus and subtle notes of almonds, raisins and cloves. The palate is well rounded with a rich vanilla taste. The finish has bitter orange and date notes with a subtle hint of cocoa beans and saffron.

Expert Review

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 aperitif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite.

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Producer Description 

A dry vermouth made with a delicate wine base and more than 30 Alpine herbs. It is light, fresh, and clean, with a subtle and complex palate. It is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to raw shellfish, goat cheese, or pesto. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

The last remaining example of appellation Vermouth di Torino to comply with all of the classical requirements, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino has been produced since 1891. Cocchi uses estate Moscato as the wine base, and vibrant, spicy botanicals such as cocoa, citrus, ginger, and rhubarb.

In contrast with other popular Italian vermouths, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino retains wines of Piedmont as the base and avoids a heavy sheen of vanilla or caramel that clashes with other cocktail ingredients. Delicious when poured on ice and a small lemon zest, but also an essential base for the creation of the most classic cocktails from Negroni to Manhattan. Cocchi has produced wine-based aperitifs and traditional Piemontese sparkling wines since 1891.

Giulio Cocchi was a young and creative pastry chef from Florence, where he worked in a popular bar located in Piazza del Duomo. In the late nineteenth century he moved to Asti, a small but lively town in northwest Italy, not far from Torino, and established himself as a distiller and winemaker.

Producer Description 

Lillet Blanc is a medium color white wine aperitif from France, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes.

The nose is of honey and orange and a hint of mint. While the nose may lead you to expect a sweet dessert wine, in fact Lillet Blanc leads with a taste of firm bitterness, which suddenly diminishes, leaving a lingering trace of orange, honey and herbaceousness on the palate. 

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | The rounded bouquet features tropical fruit notes of banana and guava, smells of ripe grapes and kiwi and a subtle spiciness. The palate entry is luscious, gently fruity and keenly acidic; midpalate flavors include kiwi, white grapes, raisins, and a vegetal quality. Finish is ripe, delicately spiced, and delicious. An old favorite.

Winemaker Description 

Vermouth di Torino is a collective heritage of Piedmont, which sees in the royal Savoy court as first big promoter of a product which, mainly starting from the late XVIII century, generated a flourishing industry which led Piedmont to become the Kingdom of Vermouth. 

Notes of cocoa, rhubarb, dandelion, caramel, and orange peel deliver a rich and refined character.

Winemaker Description

14 different herbs and spices are sourced all around the world to make Noilly Prat Extra Dry. Among them Chamomile, Coriander from Morocco, Bitter Oranges from Tunisia or Orris Root from Italy.

Noilly Prat Extra Dry is ideal for preparing a 50:50 Martini Cocktail.14 different herbs and spices are sourced all around the world to make Noilly Prat Extra Dry. Among them Chamomile, Coriander from Morocco, Bitter Oranges from Tunisia or Orris Root from Italy. Producer Description.

Winemaker Description 

Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth is a classic vermouth that perfectly balances herbal complexity with a clean, dry finish. Its nuanced flavors make it an excellent choice for both sipping and as a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Dry Martini.

Pale golden color with a slight greenish hue, reflecting its freshness and herbal character. The aroma is complex and inviting, with pronounced herbal notes of chamomile, mint, and marjoram. Subtle hints of citrus peel, dried herbs, and a touch of sea breeze add depth and intrigue.

On the palate, Noilly Prat Original Dry is smooth and well-balanced. The herbal notes dominate, with flavors of thyme, chamomile, and marjoram complemented by a delicate citrus zest. The mid-palate offers a touch of green apple and white peach, providing a pleasant fruity counterpoint to the herbal intensity.

The finish is long and dry, with lingering notes of herbs and a slight salinity that leaves a refreshing, clean aftertaste. 

Producer Description 

A dry vermouth made with a delicate wine base and more than 30 Alpine herbs. It is light, fresh, and clean, with a subtle and complex palate. It is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to raw shellfish, goat cheese, or pesto.

Winemaker Description 

A semi-sweet aperitif with a bouquet of fresh wild herbs, citrus and cinnamon and clove spices. Can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: on the rocks, with juice or soda water, or as an ingredient in numerous cocktails. 

Make sure to chill before serving! 

Expert Rating

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 91 Points | Complex, earthy, foresty aromas abound in this exotic bouquet that's sweet/sour in nature. Taste is supple, sweet, nutty, almost sherried. 

Winemaker Description 

This vermouth has a lustrous coppery color, gentle aromas of fruit compote, of prunes and walnuts with grassy notes, tempered by spicy aromas like Szechwan pepper... then aromas of almond, citrus, pear and cinnamon with gingerbread, tobacco, oregano and hyssop notes.

This very rich bouquet is tempered by a subtle bitter base wine.

Winemaker Description

Lillet Rouge Aperitif presents a deep, ruby red color, with a nose that reveals an enticing bouquet of ripe red fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, you'll be greeted by rich, fruity flavors of blackberry, cherry, and plum, complemented by subtle notes of spice and herbs.

The finish is smooth and lingering, with a touch of sweetness and a gentle, warming sensation. 

Winemaker Description 

La Fuerza revitalizes the long history of vermouth in Argentina with a modern and forward-looking twist - made from Mendoza-grown grapes and herbs from the Andes.

TASTING NOTES
Earthy notes: mace, juniper, and star anise, with notes of peppermint and green tea. The finish has a touch of dried fruits and spice.

COCKTAIL SUGGESTIONS
La Fuerza Rojo is the perfect addition to a simple spritz, or any other cocktail calling for vermouth like a Negroni or Americano. 

Winemaker Description

Introduced in 1881, Comoz Vermouth Blanc expressed Claudius Comoz’s selection of wines, plants and fruits, many of which come from the hills above Chambéry. Comoz came to fame as the essential vermouth in the El Presidente cocktail in Cuba. 

Comoz is less sweet than other vermouth blanc, with notes of stone fruits, alpine flowers and a deep, resonant undercurrent of wormwood. This deeper profile marries with whiskey better than any other pale vermouth.

Winemaker Description

La Copa Rojo is based on a Cream Sherry, a blend of 75% Palomino and 25% PX, with the addition of six botanicals; wormwood, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel and savory.

Intense spiced aroma, notes of clove and cinnamon stand out, with an elegant bitterness on the finish. On the palate smooth velvety slightly sweet note from the Cream base. Enjoy well chilled on its own or with soda and a slice of orange. A key ingredient in many cocktails. 

Winemaker Description 

100% Macabeu is fermented at low temperatures. Green walnuts, herbs and spices are sourced locally from the Matarrana area and macerated in the wine. The whole concoction is then aged for up to six months in a solera before being bottled in one of the coolest looking bottles on the market.

The Spanish drink vermouth like it's going out of style, but we all know that there's nothing more stylish than pulling out a bottle of fine vermouth to pair with your tapas. What else are you going to do with all your canned fish?

While designed primarily for straight consumption, the Negra lends itself to mixing as well. This one's all about balance! 

Winemaker Description 

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry, released on the year of Cocchi’s 130th anniversary, is a classic-style dry vermouth from the birthplace of vermouth, Piemonte. Though the old classic dry vermouths that became so popular for their use in the Dry Martini were traditionally produced in the Southeast of France, in recent years the major players of the Torino vermouth category have produced a spin on the category all their own. Cocchi was long a hold out, but no longer. 

“Ricetta Piemontese”(Piedmontese recipe), stated on the label, is a very precise indication of the content: all the relevant ingredients for this vermouth come from Piemonte and have a strong bond with the region.

The wine used for this vermouth is Cortese, the same grape used for Gavi DOCG. The Artemisia Absinthium (wormwood), is 100% from Piemonte mountains. The aromatic profile is also characterized by Menta di Pancalieri, a local variety of peppermint, and lemon, traditionally used to garnish vermouths of all styles in Piedmont. 

Perucchi has been made in Catalonia since 1886 – but only recently imported into the United States. We think it is a delicious, new (to us) treat at a very fair price!

Perruchi shows bold spice aromas of fresh gingerbread, autumn woods and tobacco followed by delectably sweet flavors of black cherry compote macerated in ruby port, finishing with a pleasant, balancing bitter herb note.

Though this would certainly be fantastic in a classic Manhattan, the flavors are so wonderful it begs to be savored. Try it on the rocks with a splash of seltzer and a wedge of orange as an aperitif or at the end of dinner, neat, with a wedge of blue cheese garnished with Membrillo or fig jam and Marcona almonds. Producer Description. 

Winemaker Description 

This vermouth has a lustrous coppery color, gentle aromas of fruit compote, of prunes and walnuts with grassy notes, tempered by spicy aromas like Szechwan pepper... then aromas of almond, citrus, pear and cinnamon with gingerbread, tobacco, oregano and hyssop notes.

This very rich bouquet is tempered by a subtle bitter base wine.

Vermouth is a fortified, aromatized wine; the ingredien ts are wine, herbs and plants, grape spirit and sugar. The practice of aromatizing wine dates back to the Ancient Greeks. This was formerly done to mask poor wine, or as later to add extra complexity to something already good. It also proved to be an effective form of early, homeopathic medicine. Right up until the 20th century, doctors regularly prescribed Vermouths and aromatized liqueurs for all manner of illness, and many people continue to take a glass per day for medicinal reasons.

The process chez Dolin begins with purchase of base wine, always white, light in alcohol (10% by volume), and as neutral as possible, both on the nose and palate. To this is added a selection of herbs and plants, which are left to macerate several months. The exact recipes are a closely guarded secret, but there are up to 54 different plants used, most notably wormwood, but also hyssop, camomile, genepi, chincona bark and rose petals. The aromatized wine is then lightly sugared, to less than 30 g/l for the Dry and 130 g/l for the Blanc and Rouge.

The color of the Rouge does not come from red base wine, which is unsuitable for elegant Vermouth, and instead comes from the particular plants used, and from sweetening with dark, caramelized sugar. Finally, the Vermouths are fortified - up to 16? for the sweeter styles for the Dry. Chamberyzette is made with the addition of a juice of wild strawberries from the Alps and fortified. 

Elena Spirits was born from a deep-seated desire. A drive to take the spirit of Piedmont far and wide, a passion for the Langhe, and a time-honored tradition of exceptional flavors to be savored. We poured energy, passion, and expertise into every bottle produced, striving to uphold what the history of local spirits has shaped over the years. Meticulously crafted recipes, refined through time and processes, are enriched with botanicals that we knew would impart a unique personality to the Gin and Vermouth under the Elena Spirits brand.

The challenge set by the Currado Vietti family was to use Barolo Lazzarito and one part Roero Arneis, blended with a selection of botanicals and natural herbs from Piedmont, according to an old family recipe, infused only once (“one-shot”).

Bouquet: vinous, elegant and refined with notes of bitter orange, gentian and nuances of vanilla. The very delicate spicy part presents hints of liquorice and cloves. The perception of artemisia is well defined in the finish.

Palate: vinous, tannic but decidedly harmonious. Red fruits, long, spicy persistence with a pleasantly sweet finish. Despite the use of traditional spices, the important vinous quota gathers momentum during the closing.

Winemaker Description 

Pale straw color. Sweet aromas of ripe grapes, pine needles, and spearmint. Sweet for an 'extra dry'. Grapy flavors. Good for mixing.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Juicy peach nectar and wild strawberry meet vibrant acidity and a floral flicker on the exit. Even the rosy hue is just calling out for mixing with bubbles or gin. Sip or mix.

Producer Description 

Carpano is an aperitif and is the perfect way to start a meal. Either on it's own or with your appetizer, it stimulates the appetite and will make a good meal great.

Carpano Antica Formula is made from the Carpano Distillery's "ancient formula" for (red) sweet vermouth. Carpano Antica Formula is sought after because of its heritage, packaging and refined taste.

It is distinguished from other sweet vermouths by its hint of vanilla flavor and aroma. The authentic nature of this vermouth is enhanced by using copies of the original 18th Century label and bottle, with the traditional cork and red seal. 

Expert Review 

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 aperitif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite.

Producer Description 

Tribuno Sweet Vermouth is a light brown color with a candied nose of ripe peaches. It makes a wonderful mixer. 

For over 170 years, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif de France has been celebrated around the world as an authority on the aperitif tradition. Crafted from a proprietary blend of red wine, herbs and spices.

Winemaker Description 

Select is made by carefully blending 30 botanicals including juniper berries and rhubarb root. The result is a complex and perfect balanced bittersweet taste.

Bright ruby red with orange reflections. Vigorous and tonic main note, with a hint of essential oils and citrus fruits, supported by a balsamic and fresh note of juniper, resin, eucalyptus and menthol distillate. Complex, herbaceous secondary notes. The taste is very intense and complex, with prevailing bitter notes due to the roots and bark. Spicy, tropical notes that bind to citrus notes. Pleasantly persistent aftertaste with fresh and lively notes due to the essential oils of citrus fruits.

Winemaker Description 

Casa Mariol is the revitalization of a century-old, family-owned wine business operating out of La Batea, a medieval town in the heart of Terra Alta. Their white vermouth follows the family's traditional recipe, with a wine base of the Macabeu variety, 100% from their own wines, macerated with more than 150 herbs selected from the locality and rested on its lees.

Brimming with fresh green herbs, bitter citrus and notes of anise and fennel, this verdant and dry vermut is balanced and fresh, perfect with a chill, on the rocks, with a splash of soda or in a martini.

Winemaker Description 

Unique and unmatched. Appreciated the world over for its very high quality. Have it neat and very cold, with soda water and on the rocks decorated with a slice of orange. It is an essential base of mythical cocktails. 

Punt e Mes (it's pronounced "poon't ay mehs") by Carpano, the original Italian aperitivo with a rich heritage dating back to 1870. The name "Punt e Mes" translates to 'Point and a Half' in Italian, and it represents a unique recipe crafted from a combination of sweet vermouth with just the right touch of bitterness.

When you take your first sip of Punt e Mes, you'll experience a delightful sweetness with a subtle hint of orange, followed by a distinctive touch of bitterness, and it all culminates in a pleasingly sweet finish. This timeless blend of flavors has been enjoyed since its inception in 1870, making it a classic choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted Italian aperitivo.

Punt e Mes is known for its dark red color and vermilion-colored veins. Its scent includes the aromas of baked fruit such as prunes and cherries, aromatic herbs, soft caramel, and cloves.

Punt e Mes can be enjoyed on the rocks with a citrus twist, in a spritz or in a variety of cocktails like the Italian Greyhound.

Winemaker Description

Byrrh Grand Quinquina is made to the original late-19th century recipe that earned worldwide fame and inspired fifty years of evocative poster art. Byrrh combines a generous, port-like wine and mistelle base with a firm backbone of natural quinine to produce a fruity, refreshing aperitif.

By itself, with tonic and a twist, or paired with blue cheese. In cocktails, Byrrh mixes well with vodka, gin, tequila, Irish whiskey, and grapefruit. Byrrh is produced in Thuir, in the heart of French Catalan territory, near the coast and border with Spain. 

Expert Review

93 Points Wine Enthusiast | Concentrated dark fruit leads the nose and palate on this garnet-hued aperitif wine infused with quinine. Complex, rich stewed fruit notes suggest cherry pie and Port brushed with vanilla, finishing long with drying hints of plum skin, sage and dried oregano plus a hint of espresso-like bitterness.  Best Buy