Drink of the Week: Carpano Bianco Vermouth
We can’t keep a secret. Because today’s Drink of the
Week—the Carpano Bianco Vermouth is just too good to not share. Yesterday was our
first official day on the ground in New Orleans for the 11th annual
Tales of the Cocktail, and between seminars, tasting rooms and parties, we got the
chance to sip this upcoming U.S. release from the Fratelli Branca family of
spirits and fortified wines (and with Edoardo Branca, no less). Hello, delicious!
Once an afterthought for many, vermouths are bigger than ever—though you don’t
have to tell Branca that. Unchanged since its initial formulation more than 200
years ago, Europeans are already familiar with the Carpano Bianco Vermouth,
though it hasn’t made its way stateside until now (make that this upcoming October
when it officially launches in the U.S.). Branca stayed mostly mum on the
formula, though we do know it’s a maceration of more than a dozen herbs and
botanicals (including artemisia, fennel, thyme and coriander) in a white wine
base with just a pinch of sugar. And the taste? Subtly sweet, it’s rich and
velvety with fresh floral flavors met by smooth vanilla and a subtle tinge of
bitterness on the finish. Crisp and refreshing over ice, mixed with soda, or
splashed with Prosecco, it hit the spot in New Orleans’
humid heat, and we can’t wait until fall to take our next taste.
