Contratto Rosso Vermouth 75CL

Where the Belbo river winds its way through the Piedmont region of northern Italy, halfway between Turin and Genoa is the beautiful old town of Canelli. It’s serious wine country here and Canelli is at the beating heart of it.  But it’s what lies underneath the town streets that concerns us.

In 1867 Giuseppe Contratto founded his business and began construction of a wine cathedral 38 metres down. Expanded many times and finished in the early 20th century, the cathedral is an atmospheric, subterranean labyrinth holding 1.5 million bottles of wine at a naturally cool temperature of 12-13 degrees, the perfect conditions. The cathedral became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2014 and it’s from here that Contratto’s fantastic drinks begin their journey to you.  Visitors are welcome.

Contratto Rosso Vermouth is a complex, 17% ABV boutique aperitif presented in a 75 cl bottle, crafted from an estate white wine base infused with over 30 natural botanicals and fortified with Italian brandy.

Tasting Notes

•    Nose: Spiced and aromatic aromas of black cherry cola, nutmeg, and oregano blend with hints of liquorice, coffee, dates, and fresh citrus peel.
•    Palate: A silky and creamy mouthfeel reveals blackberry, gentian, and spearmint balanced by bittersweet medicinal herbs and orange marmalade.
•    Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of white pepper, grapefruit, and classic wormwood.

Serving and Cocktail Suggestions

•    Neat: Serve well chilled between 6°C to 8°C with a twist of lemon peel.
•    Negroni: Mix equal parts with a quality gin and bitter liqueur over large ice.
•    Manhattan: Combine with rye whiskey and a dash of aromatic bitters.

Estate History and Distilling Methods

•    History: Founded in 1867 in Canelli, Italy, the historic producer famously supplied royal houses and the Vatican during the 1920s and 1930s. 
•    Methods: A base wine made from estate-grown Cortese grapes is fortified with Italian brandy and blended with 31 crushed botanicals that undergo a 20-day cold maceration using a hydro-alcoholic solution, before resting in stainless steel tanks.

Food Match Suggestions

•    Pair with salted Mediterranean olives, roasted nuts, or marinated artichokes.
•    Complement savoury cured meats like high-grade salami or air-dried ham.
•    Enjoy alongside robust, aged hard cheeses or a square of dark chocolate.