Vermouth, Non Vintage Sweet Wine
Carpano Punt e Mes Vermut (c. 1970s–early 1980s)
Bottle size: 100cl
ABV: 16%
Price:
£119.00
Description
This vintage bottle of Carpano Punt e Mes dates from the 1970s–early 1980s, a period when Italian vermouth was enjoying a surge of international recognition. The bold red diagonal label with oversized lettering is instantly recognizable and reflects the era’s emphasis on striking, export-friendly design while still carrying the heritage reference to “Palazzo Bracco – Torino.” It’s a label that bridges classic Italian tradition with a more modern, confident look.
Punt e Mes, meaning “point and a half” in the Piedmontese dialect, has always stood apart from other vermouths for its unique balance: one point of sweetness and half a point of bitterness. This formula produces a vermouth that is darker, richer, and more assertive than its peers, with aromas of caramel, bitter orange peel, wormwood, and a touch of quinine. Even after decades, the character of this bottle speaks to Carpano’s mastery of bittersweet complexity.
On the palate, Punt e Mes is powerful yet refined. Its combination of herbal intensity and bittersweet depth makes it an essential ingredient for cocktails, especially the Negroni and variations of the Manhattan, where its richness brings structure and intensity. Many bartenders in the 1970s considered it indispensable, and it remains highly respected today for its ability to stand out in mixed drinks.
For collectors, this bottle represents both a piece of Italian drinking culture and a practical, iconic spirit that helped define the vermouth category internationally. The condition of the label, closure, and fill level will dictate its value, but historically, Punt e Mes bottles from this era are increasingly sought after as tangible reminders of Italy’s golden age of aperitivi.
Condition
Good condition
