Vermouth, Non Vintage Sweet Wine
Antica Formula - Francesco Cinzano
Bottle size: 100cl
ABV: 16%
Price:
£149.00
Description
This striking bottle of Cinzano Antica Formula dates from the 1960s–1970s, a period when Cinzano was proudly showcasing its deep historical roots. The parchment-style label, adorned with ornate scrolls, coats of arms, and the red wax capsule, evokes an old-world apothecary aesthetic, mirroring Carpano’s own heritage style. The bold “Antica Formula” title links it directly to Cinzano’s earliest vermouth recipes, originally created in 1757 by Giovanni Giacomo and Carlo Stefano Cinzano in Turin.
By the 1960s, vermouth was at the height of its popularity across Europe and beyond, embraced both as an aperitivo and a cocktail essential. Cinzano, alongside Carpano and Martini, was one of the great ambassadors of Italian vermouth to the world. Bottles like this represented not only a drink but a cultural symbol of Italian dolce vita, frequently associated with cinema, elegant aperitif hours, and international cocktail bars.
In the glass, Cinzano Antica Formula from this era offers a deep mahogany hue with aromas of vanilla, dried herbs, citrus peel, and dark caramel. The palate is bittersweet, combining luscious notes of figs and raisins with a core of wormwood bitterness and warming spice. Rich yet balanced, it is equally enjoyable sipped neat over ice or used to elevate cocktails such as the Manhattan, Martinez, or Negroni.
For collectors, this bottle embodies the golden age of vermouth, when Italian producers were defining global cocktail culture. A vintage Cinzano Antica Formula such as this is both a rare find and a testament to Turin’s mastery in the art of aromatized wine—an object of fascination for both vermouth lovers and spirits historians alike.
Condition
Good conditions
