Vermouth, Non Vintage Sweet Wine
Carpano Vermouth Classico (c. 1970s–early 1980s)
Bottle size: 100cl
ABV: 16%
Price:
£89.00
Description
This bottle of Carpano Vermouth Classico dates to the 1970s–early 1980s, a period when the historic Turin-based house was reaffirming its status as the birthplace of vermouth. The elegant white label, densely illustrated in red with ornate scrollwork and heraldic motifs, reflects a continuation of 19th-century Italian design traditions while also appealing to export markets. Prominently marked “Palazzo Carpano – Torino,” it highlights both the heritage and prestige of the brand.
Carpano, founded in 1786, is widely credited with inventing vermouth itself, and this bottle embodies that lineage. The Classico style is rich and rounded, built on a base of Italian wines infused with a complex mix of herbs and botanicals. Expect aromas of dried citrus peel, vanilla, wormwood, clove, and subtle cocoa – a bouquet that is immediately evocative of Piedmontese aperitivo culture.
On the palate, Carpano Classico balances a deep sweetness with firm herbal bitterness, offering notes of raisins, caramel, and spiced orange alongside a structured bitter backbone. It is less extreme than Carpano Antica but more complex and brooding than lighter vermouths, making it an ideal choice for cocktails like the Americano or Manhattan, where its richness supports bold spirits such as rye or bourbon.
For collectors, this vintage represents not only a drinking experience but also a piece of vermouth history, as Carpano is the benchmark against which all others are measured. Bottles from this era are increasingly rare, and well-preserved examples like this one are prized for their authenticity, making them both a historic keepsake and a treasure for lovers of Italian aperitivi.
Condition
Good conditions
