Drink of the Week: Vermouth di Torino Riserva Carlo Alberto Red Superiore

Riserva Carlo Alberto has been producing Italian vermouth in Turin since 1837 when the aperitif wine was said to have been created for King Carlo Alberto. According to lore, the recipe was passed to Tumalin Bartolomé Baracco de Baracho, a vintner who went on the produce the vermouth commercially.

There are three versions of Riserva Carlo Alberto vermouth—red, white, and extra dry—and while all three are excellent, the red is a standout. This elegant vermouth is made with two Piedmontese DOCG wines, Moscato d’Asti, and Erbaluce Caluso, and flavored with 25 herbs and spices. The result is a bittersweet aperitif wine that’s floral, fruity, and herbal with layers of warming spice. Like the liquid inside, the bottle design is striking, inspired by the architecture of Turin, specifically Palazzo Madama, Art Nouveau influences, and the colonnade of the Gran Madre di Torino.

Vermouth di Torino Riserva Carlo Alberto Red Superiore is equally delicious sipped over ice, stirred in a classic Negroni, or mixed in a modern cocktail, like the Esplosione, shown below. Riserva Carlo Alberto vermouths are currently available in select bars and retail shops throughout the East Coast, with wider distribution rolling out across the country. Head to compagniadeicaraibi.us for more information.