Type Sweet Vermouth | Producer Fratelli Branca | Region Italy > Turin | ABV 16.5% | Volume 1000 ml | Price (AUD) ~$55
House notes
Carpano Antica Formula is the vermouth that makes other vermouths look like apology notes. Deep, rich, slightly raisiny, with vanilla and cocoa rolling in behind the traditional Italian herbs. Heavier than Martini Rosso, more complex than Cinzano, and approximately twice the price of both, which is exactly as much as you need to pay. In a Manhattan it is what turns the drink from “whiskey with vermouth in it” to “Manhattan.” In a Negroni it gives Campari someone to dance with. Store in the fridge once opened. Treat it like wine because that’s what it is.
What it pairs with
Manhattan, Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano, Vieux Carre, and a straight pour over ice with an orange twist and a tonic top for a stealth aperitif. Food: pairs beautifully with salumi, aged parmesan, olives, and anything braised with tomato and herbs. The vanilla and cocoa notes make it surprisingly good with a square of dark chocolate as a digestif. Once opened, it lives in the fridge and is good for about six weeks. After that, it dies and you should too.
About the producer
Carpano invented the category of Italian sweet vermouth in Turin in 1786. Antica Formula is a revival of the original recipe, relaunched in the 1980s by current owner Fratelli Branca (the Fernet people). Bottles have been made the same shape and size for three decades.